Neisseria meningitidis composition and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 68. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from  Neisseria meningitidis  serogroup B, and at least one conjugated capsular saccharide from a meningococcal

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/604,620 (now allowed), filed on Jan. 23,2015, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/787,594 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,710), filed onMar. 6, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/609,257 filed Mar. 9, 2012. Each of theaforementioned applications is herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to Neisseria meningitidis compositions andmethods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Neisseria meningitids is a Gram-negative encapsulated bacterium that cancause sepsis, meningitis and death. N. meningitidis can be classifiedinto about 13 serogroups (including serogroups A, B, C, E29, H, I, K, L,W-135, X , Y and Z) based on chemically and antigenically distinctivepolysaccharide capsules. Five of the serogroups (A, B, C, Y, and W135)are responsible for the majority of disease.

Meningococcal meningitis is a devastating disease that can kill childrenand young adults within hours despite the availability of antibiotics.There is a need for improved immunogenic compositions againstmeningococcal serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W135 and/or X.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet these and other needs, the present invention relates toNeisseria meningitidis compositions and methods thereof.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptideincluding an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQID NO: 71, wherein the first twenty amino acid residues of the sequencedoes not contain a cysteine.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence at positions 1-184 of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence at positions 158-185 of SEQ ID NO: 71. In another embodiment,the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions159-186 of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes at least 6contiguous amino acids from the amino acid sequence at positions 185-254of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-pyruvylated.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-lipidated.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is immunogenic.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence consisting of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptideincluding an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQID NO: 76, wherein the first twenty amino acid residues of the sequencedoes not contain a cysteine.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence SEQ ID NO: 76.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted.In another embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 issubstituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. In oneembodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequenceSEQ ID NO: 77.

In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-pyruvylated. In oneembodiment, the isolated polypeptide is non-lipidated. In oneembodiment, the isolated polypeptide is immunogenic.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic compositionincluding the polypeptide as in any of the embodiments aforementioned.In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic compositionincluding the polypeptide as in any of the embodiments described herein.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acidsequence encoding an isolated polypeptide consisting of the amino acidsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid sequence includes SEQ IDNO: 72.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic compositionincluding an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptidefrom Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugateselected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135; and d) a conjugateof a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes at least twoconjugates selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of acapsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135; and d) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupY.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes at least threeconjugates selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of acapsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135; and d) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupY.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes a conjugate of acapsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; a conjugateof a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupW135; and a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a subfamily A polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a subfamily B polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedA05.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedA12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedA22.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedB01.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedB09.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedB44.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedB22.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedB24.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedA62.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO:75. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequenceSEQ ID NO: 77.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of inducing an immuneresponse against Neisseria meningitidis in a mammal. The method includesadministering to the mammal an effective amount of an immunogeniccomposition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least oneconjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of acapsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135; and d) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupY.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting abactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C in amammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effectiveamount of an immunogenic composition including an isolatednon-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseriameningitidis serogroup B.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequenceset forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ IDNO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 isdeleted. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. In yet another embodiment, thecysteine at position 1 of the polypeptide is deleted. In a furtherembodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forthin SEQ ID NO: 77.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition further includes at leastone conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of acapsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135; and d) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupY.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting abactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y in amammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effectiveamount of an immunogenic composition including an an isolatednon-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseriameningitidis serogroup B.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequenceset forth in SEQ ID NO: 71 or the amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ IDNO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 isdeleted. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. In yet another embodiment, thecysteine at position 1 of the polypeptide is deleted. In a furtherembodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forthin SEQ ID NO: 77.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition further includes at leastone conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C; c) a conjugate of acapsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135; and d) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupY.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of eliciting abactericidal antibody against Neisseria meningitidis in a mammal,including administering to the mammal an effective amount of animmunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated,non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidisserogroup B, and at least one conjugate selected from: a) a conjugate ofa capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A; b) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupC; c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup W135; and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup Y.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-F: P2086 Variant Nucleic Acid Sequences.

FIG. 2A-C: P2086 Variant Amino Acid Sequences. The Gly/Ser stalk in theN-terminal tail of each variant is underlined.

FIG. 3: Structure of the ORF2086 Protein

FIG. 4: Removal of N-terminal Cys Results in Loss of Expression in E.coli.

FIG. 5: Effect of Gly/Ser Stalk Length on Non-lipidated ORF2086 VariantExpression. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled B01is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35. The sequence associated with the proteinvariant labeled B44 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 36. The sequenceassociated with the protein variant labeled A05 is set forth in SEQ IDNO: 37. The sequence associated with the protein variant labeled A22 isset forth in SEQ ID NO: 38. The sequence associated with the proteinvariant labeled B22 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 39. The sequenceassociated with the protein variant labeled A19 is set forth in SEQ IDNO: 40.

FIG. 6: High Levels of Non-lipidated B09 Expression Despite A ShortGly/Ser Stalk. The left two lanes demonstrated expression of theN-terminal Cys-deleted B09 variant before and after induction. The thirdand fourth lanes demonstrate expression of the N-terminal Cys positiveB09 variant before and after induction. The right most lane is amolecular weight standard. The amino acid sequence shown under the imageis set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41. The nucleotide sequence representative ofthe N-terminal Cys-deleted A22 variant, referred to as “A22_001” in thefigure, is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, which is shown under SEQ ID NO:41 in the figure. The nucleotide sequence representative of theN-terminal Cys-deleted B22 variant, referred to as “B22_001” in thefigure, is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52. The nucleotide sequencerepresentative of the N-terminal Cys-deleted B09 variant, referred to as“B09_004” in the figure, is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53.

FIG. 7: Codon Optimization Increases Expression of Non-lipidated B22 andA22 Variants. The left panel demonstrates expression of the N-terminalCys-deleted B22 variant before (lanes 1 and 3) and after (lanes 2 and 4)IPTG induction. The right panel demonstrates expression of theN-terminal Cys-deleted A22 variant before (lane 7) and after (lane 8)IPTG induction. Lanes 5 and 6 are molecular weight standards.

FIG. 8A-H: P2086 Variant Nucleic and Amino Acid Sequences

FIG. 9A-9B: Sequence alignment of selected wild-type subfamily A and BfHBP variants discussed in Examples 15-19. Note that the N-terminus ofA62 is 100% identical to B09 and its C-terminus is 100% identical toA22. The sequences shown are A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13); A12 (SEQ ID NO: 14);A22 (SEQ ID NO: 15); A62 (SEQ ID NO: 70); B09 (SEQ ID NO: 18); B24 (SEQID NO: 20); and Consensus (SEQ ID NO: 78).

SEQUENCE IDENTIFIERS

SEQ ID NO: 1 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant A04 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 2 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant A05 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 3 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant A12 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 4 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant A12-2 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 5 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant A22 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 6 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B02 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 7 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B03 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 8 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 9 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B22 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 10 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B24 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 11 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B44 gene, which includes a codon encoding anN-terminal Cys.

SEQ ID NO: 12 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A04, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 13 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 14 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A12, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 15 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 16 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B02, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 17 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B03, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 18 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 19 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 20 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B24, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 21 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 22 sets forth a DNA sequence for a forward primer, shown inExample 2. SEQ ID NO: 23 sets forth a DNA sequence for a reverse primer,shown in Example 2.

SEQ ID NO: 24 sets forth a DNA sequence for a forward primer, shown inExample 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 25 sets forth a DNA sequence for a reverse primer, shown inExample 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 26 sets forth a DNA sequence for a forward primer, shown inExample 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 27 sets forth a DNA sequence for a reverse primer, shown inExample 2, Table 1.

SEQ ID NO: 28 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown inExample 4.

SEQ ID NO: 29 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk,shown in Example 4, which is encoded by, for example SEQ ID NO: 28.

SEQ ID NO: 30 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown inExample 4.

SEQ ID NO: 31 sets forth the amino acid sequence a Gly/Ser stalk, shownin Example 4, which is encoded by, for example SEQ ID NO: 30.

SEQ ID NO: 32 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown inExample 4.

SEQ ID NO: 33 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk,which is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 34.

SEQ ID NO: 34 sets forth a DNA sequence for a Gly/Ser stalk, shown inExample 4.

SEQ ID NO: 35 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus ofN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B01, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 36 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus ofN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 37 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus ofN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 38 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus ofN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 39 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus ofN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 40 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus ofN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A19, shown in FIG. 5.

SEQ ID NO: 41 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N-terminus of aN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant, shown in FIG. 6.

SEQ ID NO: 42 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N-terminus of N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, shown in FIG. 6.

SEQ ID NO: 43 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44 gene, wherein the codonencoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO:11. Plasmid pDK087 includes SEQ ID NO: 43.

SEQ ID NO: 44 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B44. SEQ ID NO: 44 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 21 is deleted. SEQ ID 44 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 43.

SEQ ID NO: 45 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codonencoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, and wherein the sequenceincludes codons encoding an additional Gly/Ser region, as compared toSEQ ID NO: 8. Plasmid pEB063 includes SEQ ID NO: 45.

SEQ ID NO: 46 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codonencoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 8.Plasmid pEB064 includes SEQ ID NO: 46.

SEQ ID NO: 47 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codonencoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 8.Plasmid pEB 065 includes SEQ ID NO: 47.

SEQ ID NO: 48 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B09 gene, wherein the codon encoding anN-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 8. PlasmidpLA134 includes SEQ ID NO: 48.

SEQ ID NO: 49 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09. SEQ ID NO: 49 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 18 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 18 is deleted. SEQ ID 49 is encoded by, for example, a DNA sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, andSEQ ID NO: 48.

SEQ ID NO: 50 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09, wherein the codon encodingan N-terminal cysteine is deleted and wherein the sequence includescodons encoding an additional Gly/Ser region, as compared to SEQ ID NO:18. SEQ ID NO: 50 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO: 45.

SEQ ID NO: 51 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B44 gene, wherein the codon encoding anN-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 11. PlasmidpLN056 includes SEQ ID NO: 51.

SEQ ID NO: 52 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N-terminus of N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, shown in FIG. 6.

SEQ ID NO: 53 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N-terminus of N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B09, shown in FIG. 6.

SEQ ID NO: 54 sets forth a DNA sequence for a N. meningitidis, serogroupB, 2086 variant A05 gene, wherein the codon encoding an N-terminalcysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2.

SEQ ID NO: 55 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05. SEQ ID NO: 55 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 13 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 55 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO:54.

SEQ ID NO: 56 sets forth the amino acid sequence of a serine-glycinerepeat sequence, shown in Example 7.

SEQ ID NO: 57 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B01. SEQ ID NO: 57 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 58 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 58 is deleted.

SEQ ID NO: 58 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B01, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 59 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B15, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 60 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B16, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 61 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, in which the codon for the N-terminal Cysat amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 19 is replaced with a codon for aGlycine.

SEQ ID NO: 62 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22, in which the N-terminal Cysat amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 19 is replaced with a Glycine.

SEQ ID NO: 63 sets forth a DNA sequence for the N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, in which the codon for the N-terminal Cysat amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 15 is replaced with a codon for aGlycine.

SEQ ID NO: 64 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22, in which the N-terminal Cysat amino acid position 1 of SEQ ID NO: 15 is replaced with a Glycine.

SEQ ID NO: 65 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence (pEB042)encoding a non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated A05 polypeptide.

SEQ ID NO: 66 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A12. SEQ ID NO: 66 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 14 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 66 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO:67.

SEQ ID NO: 67 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for anon-lipidated, non-pyruvylated A12 polypeptide.

SEQ ID NO: 68 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A22. SEQ ID NO: 68 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 15 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 15 is deleted. SEQ ID NO: 68 is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NO:69.

SEQ ID NO: 69 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for anon-lipidated, non-pyruvylated A22 polypeptide.

SEQ ID NO: 70 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N. meningitidisserogroup B, 2086 variant A62, which includes an N-terminal Cys at aminoacid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 71 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A62. SEQ ID NO: 71 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 70 is deleted.

SEQ ID NO: 72 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence for SEQ ID NO:71.

SEQ ID NO: 73 sets forth a codon-optimized DNA sequence (pDK086) for aN. meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05 gene, wherein the codonencoding an N-terminal cysteine is deleted, as compared to SEQ ID NO: 2.

SEQ ID NO: 74 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A29, which includes anN-terminal Cys at amino acid position 1.

SEQ ID NO: 75 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B22. SEQ ID NO: 75 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 19 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 19 is deleted.

SEQ ID NO: 76 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a N. meningitidis,serogroup B, 2086 variant A05.

SEQ ID NO: 77 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a non-lipidated N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant A05. SEQ ID NO: 77 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 19 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 76 is not present.

SEQ ID NO: 78 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a consensussequence shown in FIG. 9A-9B.

SEQ ID NO: 79 is identical to SEQ ID NO: 78 except that the Cys atposition 1 of SEQ ID NO: 78 is not present.

SEQ ID NO: 80 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B24. SEQ ID NO: 80 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 20 wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 of SEQ IDNO: 20 is deleted.

SEQ ID NO: 81 sets forth the amino acid sequence for the N.meningitidis, serogroup B, 2086 variant B24. SEQ ID NO: 81 is identicalto SEQ ID NO: 20 wherein the residues at positions 1-3 of SEQ ID NO: 20are deleted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as those commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. The materials, methods and examples areillustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting. Allpublications, patents and other documents mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

Definitions

The term “antigen” generally refers to a biological molecule, usually aprotein, peptide, polysaccharide, lipid or conjugate which contains atleast one epitope to which a cognate antibody can selectively bind; orin some instances to an immunogenic substance that can stimulate theproduction of antibodies or T-cell responses, or both, in an animal,including compositions that are injected or absorbed into an animal. Theimmune response may be generated to the whole molecule, or to one ormore various portions of the molecule (e.g., an epitope or hapten). Theterm may be used to refer to an individual molecule or to a homogeneousor heterogeneous population of antigenic molecules. An antigen isrecognized by antibodies, T-cell receptors or other elements of specifichumoral and/or cellular immunity. The term “antigen” includes allrelated antigenic epitopes. Epitopes of a given antigen can beidentified using any number of epitope mapping techniques, well known inthe art. See, e.g., Epitope Mapping Protocols in Methods in MolecularBiology, Vol. 66 (Glenn E. Morris, Ed., 1996) Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.For example, linear epitopes may be determined by e.g., concurrentlysynthesizing large numbers of peptides on solid supports, the peptidescorresponding to portions of the protein molecule, and reacting thepeptides with antibodies while the peptides are still attached to thesupports. Such techniques are known in the art and described in, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,871; Geysen et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA81:3998-4002; Geysen et al. (1986) Molec. Immunol. 23:709-715, allincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Similarly,conformational epitopes may be identified by determining spatialconformation of amino acids such as by, e.g., x-ray crystallography and2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. See, e.g., Epitope MappingProtocols, supra. Furthermore, for purposes of the present invention, an“antigen” may also be used to refer to a protein that includesmodifications, such as deletions, additions and substitutions (generallyconservative in nature, but they may be non-conservative), to the nativesequence, so long as the protein maintains the ability to elicit animmunological response. These modifications may be deliberate, asthrough site-directed mutagenesis, or through particular syntheticprocedures, or through a genetic engineering approach, or may beaccidental, such as through mutations of hosts, which produce theantigens. Furthermore, the antigen can be derived, obtained, or isolatedfrom a microbe, e.g. a bacterium, or can be a whole organism. Similarly,an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide, which expresses an antigen, suchas in nucleic acid immunization applications, is also included in thedefinition. Synthetic antigens are also included, for example,polyepitopes, flanking epitopes, and other recombinant or syntheticallyderived antigens (Bergmann et al. (1993) Eur. J. Immunol. 23:2777 2781;Bergmann et al. (1996) J. Immunol. 157:3242 3249; Suhrbier, A. (1997)Immunol. and Cell Biol. 75:402 408; Gardner et al. (1998) 12th WorldAIDS Conference, Geneva, Switzerland, Jun. 28-Jul. 3, 1998).

The term “conservative” amino acid substitutions may be made on thebasis of similarity in polarity, charge, solubility hydrophobicity,hydrophilicity, and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues involved.For example, non-polar (hydrophobic) amino acids include alanine,leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, tryptophan, and methionine;polar/neutral amino acids include glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine,tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine; positively charged (basic) aminoacids include arginine, lysine, and histidine; and negatively charged(acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid. In someembodiments, the conservative amino acid changes alter the primarysequence of the ORF2086 polypeptides, but do not alter the function ofthe molecule. When generating these mutants, the hydropathic index ofamino acids can be considered. The importance of the hydropathic aminoacid index in conferring interactive biologic function on a polypeptideis generally understood in the art (Kyte & Doolittle, 1982, J. Mol.Biol., 157(1):105-32). It is known that certain amino acids can besubstituted for other amino acids having a similar hydropathic index orscore and still result in a polypeptide with similar biologicalactivity. Each amino acid has been assigned a hydropathic index on thebasis of its hydrophobicity and charge characteristics. Those indicesare: isoleucine (+4.5); valine (+4.2); leucine (+3.8); phenylalanine(+2.8); cysteine/cystine (+2.5); methionine (+1.9); alanine (+1.8);glycine (−0.4); threonine (−0.7); serine (−0.8); tryptophan (−0.9);tyrosine (−1.3); proline (−1.6); histidine (−3.2); glutamate (−3.5);glutamine (−3.5); aspartate (−3.5); asparagine (−3.5); lysine (−3.9);and arginine (−4.5).

It is believed that the relative hydropathic character of the amino acidresidue determines the secondary and tertiary structure of the resultantpolypeptide, which in turn defines the interaction of the polypeptidewith other molecules, such as enzymes, substrates, receptors,antibodies, antigens, and the like. It is known in the art that an aminoacid can be substituted by another amino acid having a similarhydropathic index and still obtain a functionally equivalentpolypeptide. In such changes, the substitution of amino acids whosehydropathic indices are within +/−2 is preferred, those within +/−1 areparticularly preferred, and those within +/−0.5 are even moreparticularly preferred.

Conservative amino acids substitutions or insertions can also be made onthe basis of hydrophilicity. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,101,which is hereby incorporated by reference the greatest local averagehydrophilicity of a polypeptide, as governed by the hydrophilicity ofits adjacent amino acids, correlates with its immunogenicity andantigenicity, i.e., with a biological property of the polypeptide. U.S.Pat. No. 4,554,101 reciates that the following hydrophilicity valueshave been assigned to amino acid residues: arginine (+3.0); lysine(+3.0); aspartate (+3.0±1); glutamate (+3.0±1); serine (+0.3);asparagine (+0.2); glutamine (+0.2); glycine (0); proline (−0.5±1);threonine (−0.4); alanine (−0.5); histidine (−0.5); cysteine (−1.0);methionine (−1.3); valine (−1.5); leucine (−1.8); isoleucine (−1.8);tyrosine (−2.3); phenylalanine (−2.5); tryptophan (−3.4). It isunderstood that an amino acid can be substituted for another having asimilar hydrophilicity value and still obtain a biologically equivalent,and in particular, an immunologically equivalent polypeptide. In suchchanges, the substitution of amino acids whose hydrophilicity values arewithin ±2 is preferred; those within ±1 are particularly preferred; andthose within ±0.5 are even more particularly preferred. Exemplarysubstitutions which take various of the foregoing characteristics intoconsideration are well known to those of skill in the art and include,without limitation: arginine and lysine; glutamate and aspartate; serineand threonine; glutamine and asparagine; and valine, leucine andisoleucine.

The term “effective immunogenic amount” as used herein refers to anamount of a polypeptide or composition comprising a polypeptide which iseffective in eliciting an immune response in a vertebrate host. Forexample, an effective immunogenic amount of a rLP2086 protein of thisinvention is an amount that is effective in eliciting an immune responsein a vertebrate host. The particular “effective immunogenic dosage oramount” will depend upon the age, weight and medical condition of thehost, as well as on the method of administration. Suitable doses arereadily determined by persons skilled in the art.

The term “Gly/Ser stalk” as used herein refers to the series of Gly andSer residues immediately downstream of the N-terminal Cys residue of aprotein encoded by ORF2086. There can be between 5 and 12 Gly and Serresidues in the Gly/Ser stalk. Accordingly, the Gly/Ser stalk consistsof amino acids 2 to between 7 and 13 of the protein encoded by ORF2086.Preferably, the Gly/Ser stalk consists of amino acids 2 and up tobetween 7 and 13 of the protein encoded by ORF2086. The Gly/Ser stalksof the P2086 variants of the present invention are represented by theunderlined sequences in FIG. 2 (SEQ ID NO: 12-21). As shown herein, thelength of the Gly/Ser stalk can affect the stability or expression levelof a non-lipidated P2086 variant. In an exemplary embodiment, effectsfrom affecting the length of the Gly/Ser stalk are compared to thosefrom the corresponding wild-type variant.

The term “immunogenic” refers to the ability of an antigen or a vaccineto elicit an immune response, either humoral or cell-mediated, or both.An “immunogenic amount”, or an “immunologically effective amount” or“dose”, each of which is used interchangeably herein, generally refersto the amount of antigen or immunogenic composition sufficient to elicitan immune response, either a cellular (T cell) or humoral (B cell orantibody) response, or both, as measured by standard assays known to oneskilled in the art.

The term “immunogenic composition” relates to any pharmaceuticalcomposition containing an antigen, e.g. a microorganism, or a componentthereof, which composition can be used to elicit an immune response in asubject. The immunogenic compositions of the present invention can beused to treat a human susceptible to N. meningidis infection, by meansof administering the immunogenic compositions via a systemic transdermalor mucosal route. These administrations can include injection via theintramuscular (i.m.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), intradermal (i.d.) orsubcutaneous routes; application by a patch or other transdermaldelivery device; or via mucosal administration to the oral/alimentary,respiratory or genitourinary tracts. In one embodiment, the immunogeniccomposition may be used in the manufacture of a vaccine or in theelicitation of a polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that could be usedto passively protect or treat a subject.

Optimal amounts of components for a particular immunogenic compositioncan be ascertained by standard studies involving observation ofappropriate immune responses in subjects. Following an initialvaccination, subjects can receive one or several booster immunizationsadequately spaced.

The term “isolated” means that the material is removed from its originalenvironment (e.g., the natural environment if it is naturally occurringor from it's host organism if it is a recombinant entity, or taken fromone environment to a different environment). For example, an “isolated”protein or peptide is substantially free of cellular material or othercontaminating proteins from the cell or tissue source from which theprotein is derived, or substantially free of chemical precursors orother chemicals when chemically synthesized, or otherwise present in amixture as part of a chemical reaction. In the present invention, theproteins may be isolated from the bacterial cell or from cellulardebris, so that they are provided in a form useful in the manufacture ofan immunogenic composition. The term “isolated” or “isolating” mayinclude purifying, or purification, including for example, the methodsof purification of the proteins, as described herein. The language“substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of apolypeptide or protein in which the polypeptide or protein is separatedfrom cellular components of the cells from which it is isolated orrecombinantly produced. Thus, a protein or peptide that is substantiallyfree of cellular material includes preparations of the capsulepolysaccharide, protein or peptide having less than about 30%, 20%, 10%,5%, 2.5%, or 1%, (by dry weight) of contaminating protein orpolysaccharide or other cellular material. When the polypeptide/proteinis recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free ofculture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%,10%, or 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. When polypeptide orprotein is produced by chemical synthesis, it is preferablysubstantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals, i.e., itis separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals which areinvolved in the synthesis of the protein or polysaccharide. Accordingly,such preparations of the polypeptide or protein have less than about30%, 20%, 10%, 5% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or compoundsother than polypeptide/protein or polysaccharide fragment of interest.

The term “N-terminal tail” as used herein refers to the N-terminalportion of a protein encoded by ORF2086, which attaches the protein tothe cell membrane. An N-terminal tail is shown at the bottom of the sideview structure in FIG. 3. An

N-terminal tail typically comprises the N-terminal 16 amino acids of theprotein encoded by ORF2086. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail isamino acids 1-16 of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21.The term “ORF2086” asused herein refers to Open Reading Frame 2086 from a Neisseria speciesbacteria. Neisseria ORF2086, the proteins encoded therefrom, fragmentsof those proteins, and immunogenic compositions comprising thoseproteins are known in the art and are described, e.g., in WO2003/063766,and in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 20060257413 and US20090202593, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The term “P2086” generally refers to the protein encoded by ORF2086. The“P” before “2086” is an abbreviation for “protein.” The P2086 proteinsof the invention may be lipidated or non-lipidated. “LP2086” and “P2086”typically refer to lipidated and non-lipidated forms of a 2086 protein,respectively. The P2086 protein of the invention may be recombinant.“rLP2086” and “rP2086” typically refer to lipidated and non-lipidatedforms of a recombinant 2086 protein, respectively. “2086” is also knownas factor H-binding protein (fHBP) due to its ability to bind to factorH.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, excipient, and/orcarrier” as used herein is intended to include any and all solvents,dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents,isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible withadministration to humans or other vertebrate hosts. Typically, apharmaceutically acceptable diluent, excipient, and/or carrier is adiluent, excipient, and/or carrier approved by a regulatory agency of aFederal, a state government, or other regulatory agency, or listed inthe U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for usein animals, including humans as well as non-human mammals. The termdiluent, excipient, and/or “carrier” refers to a diluent, adjuvant,excipient, or vehicle with which the pharmaceutical composition isadministered. Such pharmaceutical diluent, excipient, and/or carrierscan be sterile liquids, such as water and oils, including those ofpetroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin. Water, salinesolutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can be employed asliquid diluents, excipients, and/or carriers, particularly forinjectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical diluents and/or excipientsinclude starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour,chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodiumchloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanoland the like. The composition, if desired, can also contain minoramounts of wetting, bulking, emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents.These compositions can take the form of solutions, suspensions,emulsion, sustained release formulations and the like. Examples ofsuitable pharmaceutical diluent, excipient, and/or carriers aredescribed in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin. Theformulation should suit the mode of administration. The appropriatediluent, excipient, and/or carrier will be evident to those skilled inthe art and will depend in large part upon the route of administration.

A “protective” immune response refers to the ability of an immunogeniccomposition to elicit an immune response, either humoral or cellmediated, which serves to protect the subject from an infection. Theprotection provided need not be absolute, i.e., the infection need notbe totally prevented or eradicated, if there is a statisticallysignificant improvement compared with a control population of subjects,e.g. infected animals not administered the vaccine or immunogeniccomposition. Protection may be limited to mitigating the severity orrapidity of onset of symptoms of the infection. In general, a“protective immune response” would include the induction of an increasein antibody levels specific for a particular antigen in at least 50% ofsubjects, including some level of measurable functional antibodyresponses to each antigen. In particular situations, a “protectiveimmune response” could include the induction of a two fold increase inantibody levels or a four fold increase in antibody levels specific fora particular antigen in at least 50% of subjects, including some levelof measurable functional antibody responses to each antigen. In certainembodiments, opsonising antibodies correlate with a protective immuneresponse. Thus, protective immune response may be assayed by measuringthe percent decrease in the bacterial count in a serum bactericidalactivity (SBA) assay or an opsonophagocytosis assay, for instance thosedescribed below. Such assays are also known in the art. Formeningococcal vaccines, for example, the SBA assay is an establishedsurrogate for protection. In some embodiments, there is a decrease inbacterial count of at least 10%, 25%, 50%, 65%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%or more, as compared to the bacterial count in the absence of theimmunogenic composition.

The terms “protein”, “polypeptide” and “peptide” refer to a polymer ofamino acid residues and are not limited to a minimum length of theproduct. Thus, peptides, oligopeptides, dimers, multimers, and the like,are included within the definition. Both full-length proteins andfragments thereof are encompassed by the definition. The terms alsoinclude modifications, such as deletions, additions and substitutions(generally conservative in nature, but which may be non-conservative),to a native sequence, preferably such that the protein maintains theability to elicit an immunological response within an animal to whichthe protein is administered. Also included are post-expressionmodifications, e.g. glycosylation, acetylation, lipidation,phosphorylation and the like.

Active variants and fragments of the disclosed polynucleotides andpolypeptides are also described herein. “Variants” refer tosubstantially similar sequences. As used herein, a “variant polypeptide”refers to a polypeptide derived from the native protein by amodification of one or more amino acids at the N-terminal and/orC-terminal end of the native protein. The modification may includedeletion (so-called truncation) of one or more amino acids at theN-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the native protein; deletion and/oraddition of one or more amino acids at one or more internal sites in thenative protein; or substitution of one or more amino acids at one ormore sites in the native protein. Variant polypeptides continue topossess the desired biological activity of the native polypeptide, thatis, they are immunogenic. A variant of an polypeptide or polynucleotidesequence disclosed herein (i.e. SEQ ID NOS: 1-25 or 39) will typicallyhave at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity with the referencesequence.

The term “fragment” refers to a portion of an amino acid or nucleotidesequence comprising a specified number of contiguous amino acid ornucleotide residues. In particular embodiments, a fragment of apolypeptide disclosed herein may retain the biological activity of thefull-length polypeptide and hence be immunogenic. Fragments of apolynucleotide may encode protein fragments that retain the biologicalactivity of the protein and hence be immunogenic. Alternatively,fragments of a polynucleotide that are useful as PCR primers generallydo not retain biological activity. Thus, fragments of a nucleotidesequence disclosed herein may range from at least about 15, 20, 30, 40,50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250,300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, or 1500contiguous nucleotides or up to the full-length polynucleotide.Fragments of a polypeptide sequence disclosed herein may comprise atleast 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140,150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 400, 425, 450, 475, or500 contiguous amino acids, or up to the total number of amino acidspresent in the full-length polypeptide.

The term “recombinant” as used herein refers to any protein,polypeptide, or cell expressing a gene of interest that is produced bygenetic engineering methods. The term “recombinant” as used with respectto a protein or polypeptide, means a polypeptide produced by expressionof a recombinant polynucleotide. The proteins of the present inventionmay be isolated from a natural source or produced by genetic engineeringmethods. “Recombinant,” as used herein, further describes a nucleic acidmolecule, which, by virtue of its origin or manipulation, is notassociated with all or a portion of the polynucleotide with which it isassociated in nature. The term “recombinant” as used with respect to ahost cell means a host cell which includes a recombinant polynucleotide.

The term “subject” refers to a mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or any otheranimal. The term “subject” also includes humans. The term “subject” alsoincludes household pets. Non-limiting examples of household petsinclude: dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters,guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, snakes, lizards, fish, turtles, and frogs.The term “subject” also includes livestock animals. Non-limitingexamples of livestock animals include: alpaca, bison, camel, cattle,deer, pigs, horses, llamas, mules, donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits,reindeer, yak, chickens, geese, and turkeys.

The term “mammals” as used herein refers to any mammal, such as, forexample, humans, mice, rabbits, non-human primates. In a preferredembodiment, the mammal is a human.

The terms “vaccine” or “vaccine composition”, which are usedinterchangeably, refer to pharmaceutical compositions comprising atleast one immunogenic composition that induces an immune response in asubject.

General Description

The present invention also identifies previously unidentifieddifficulties expressing non-lipidated P2086 variants and providesmethods for overcoming these difficulties and novel compositionstherefrom. While plasmid constructs encoding non-lipidated P2086variants provided strong expression of the non-lipidated variants, thesevariants were pyruvylated on the N-terminal Cys. Pyruvylation preventsor reduces the likelihood of manufacturing consistency or uniformity ofthe polypeptides. The inventors further found that deletion of theN-terminal Cys from the non-lipidated P2086 variant sequences avoidedpyruvylation of non-lipidated P2086 variants. Attempts to overcome thepyruvylation by deletion of the codon for the N-terminal Cys eitherabrogated expression or resulted in the expression of insolublevariants. Alternatively, removal of the N-terminal Cys from thenon-lipidated P2086 variants decreased expression in some variants.Surprisingly, however, the inventors discovered that at leastnon-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12, A22, A62, B01, B09, B22, and B44variants can be expressed despite deletion of the N-terminal Cysresidue. Generally, these polypeptides could be expressed withoutadditional modifications other than the Cys deletion, as compared to thecorresponding wild-type non-lipidated sequence. See, for example,Examples 2 and 4. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that thenon-pyruvylated non-lipidated variants were surprisingly immunogenic andthey unexpectedly elicited bactericidal antibodies.

Accordingly, the present invention provides two methods for overcomingor reducing the likelihood of these difficulties in expressingnon-lipidated variants. However, additional methods are contemplated bythe present invention. The first method was to vary the length of theGly/Ser stalk in the N-terminal tail, immediately downstream of theN-terminal Cys. The second method was codon optimization within theN-terminal tail. However, optimization of additional codons iscontemplated by the present invention. These methods provide enhancedexpression of soluble non-lipidated P2086 variants. For example, in oneembodiment, enhanced expression of soluble non-lipidated P2086 variantsis compared to expression of the corresponding wild-type non-lipidatedvariants.

Isolated Polypeptides

The inventors surprisingly discovered isolated non-pyruvylated,non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides. The inventors further discoveredthat the polypeptides are unexpectedly immunogenic and are capable ofeliciting a bactericidal immune response.

As used herein, the term “non-pyruvylated” refers to a polypeptidehaving no pyruvate content. Non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides having apyruvate content typically exhibited a mass shift of +70, as compared tothe corresponding wild-type polypeptide. In one embodiment, theinventive polypeptide does not exhibit a mass shift of +70 as comparedto the corresponding wild-type non-lipidated polypeptide when measuredby mass spectrometry. See, for example, Example 10.

In another embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated, non-lipidatedORF2086 polypeptide includes a deletion of an N-terminal cysteineresidue compared to the corresponding wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide. The term “N-terminal cysteine” refers to a cysteine (Cys)at the N-terminal or N-terminal tail of a polypeptide. Morespecifically, the “N-terminal cysteine” as used herein refers to theN-terminal cysteine at which LP2086 lipoproteins are lipidated with atripalmitoyl lipid tail, as is known in the art. For example, whenreferring to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21 as a reference sequence, theN-terminal cysteine is located at position 1. As another example, whenreferring to SEQ ID NO: 70 as a reference sequence, the N-terminalcysteine is located at position 1.

The term “wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide” or “wild-typenon-lipidated 2086 polypeptide” or “wild-type non-lipidated polypeptide”as used herein refers to an ORF2086 polypeptide having an amino acidsequence that is identical to the amino acid sequence of thecorresponding mature lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide found in nature. Theonly difference between the non-lipidated and lipidated molecules isthat the wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide is not lipidatedwith a tripalmitoyl lipid tail at the N-terminal cysteine.

As is known in the art, the non-lipidated 2086 form is produced by aprotein lacking the original leader sequence or by a leader sequencewhich is replaced with a portion of sequence that does not specify asite for fatty acid acylation in a host cell.

See, for example, WO2003/063766, and in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. US 20060257413 and US 20090202593, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Examples of a non-lipidated ORF2086 include not only a wild-typenon-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide just described but also polypeptideshaving an amino acid sequence according to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted and polypeptides having an aminoacid sequence according to any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21 wherein theN-terminal Cys is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cysresidue. Another example of a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includesa polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 70wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted and a polypeptide having an aminoacid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys issubstituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Furtherexamples of a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide include amino acidsequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 44 (B44), SEQ ID NO: 49 (B09), SEQ IDNO: 55 (A05), SEQ ID NO: 57 (B01), SEQ ID NO: 58 (B01), SEQ ID NO: 62(B22), SEQ ID NO: 64 (A22), and SEQ ID NO: 75 (B22). Yet furtherexamples of a non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide include amino acidsequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 66 (A12), SEQ ID NO: 68 (A22), andSEQ ID NO: 71 (A62). More examples include SEQ ID NO: 80 (B24) and SEQID NO: 81 (B24). Additional examples of a non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide include the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76and SEQ ID NO: 77. In one embodiment, the non-lipidated polypeptideincludes the amino acid sequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%,97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a sequence encoding thecorresponding non-lipidated polypeptide. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the non-lipidated A62 polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%,88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 71.

Examples of a wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includepolypeptides having an amino acid sequence according to any one of SEQID NOs: 12-21, shown in FIG. 2, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 59 , and SEQID NO: 60. Another example of a wild-type non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequenceaccording to SEQ ID NO: 70. These exemplary wild-type non-lipidatedORF2086 polypeptides include an N-terminal Cys.

As used herein, for example, a “non-lipidated” B44 polypeptide includesa polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted,and SEQ ID NO: 44. A “wild-type non-lipidated” B44 polypeptide includesa polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 21. A“non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” B44 polypeptide includes a polypeptidehaving the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 44.

As another example, as used herein, a “non-lipidated” B09 polypeptideincludes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 18 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 isdeleted, SEQ ID NO: 49, and SEQ ID NO: 50. A “wild-type non-lipidated”B09 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequenceSEQ ID NO: 18. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” B09 includes apolypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 18wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 49, andSEQ ID NO: 50.

As yet a further example, as used herein, a “non-lipidated” A05polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequenceselected from SEQ ID NO: 13,

SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, andSEQ ID NO: 55. Another example of a “non-lipidated” A05 polypeptideincludes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is substituted withan amino acid that is not a Cys residue. An additional example of a“non-lipidated” A05 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the aminoacid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. Yet another example of a“non-lipidated” A05 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the aminoacid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 77. A “wild-type non-lipidated”A05 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 13.A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A05 includes a polypeptide having theamino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminalCys at position 1 is deleted and SEQ ID NO: 55. Further examples of a“non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A05 includes a polypeptide having theamino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminalCys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cysresidue; SEQ ID NO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted; SEQ IDNO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acidthat is not a Cys residue; and SEQ ID NO: 77.

As used herein, a “non-lipidated” A62 polypeptide includes a polypeptidehaving the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO:70 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO:71. Another example of a non-lipidated A62 polypeptide includes apolypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. A“wild-type non-lipidated” A62 polypeptide includes a polypeptide havingthe amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 70. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated”A62 includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected fromSEQ ID NO: 70 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, andSEQ ID NO: 71. Another example of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62polypeptide includes a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that isnot a Cys residue. Preferably, a “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A62includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQID NO: 71.

As used herein, a “non-lipidated” A12 polypeptide includes a polypeptidehaving the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:14 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO:66. A “wild-type non-lipidated” A12 polypeptide includes a polypeptidehaving the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:

14. A “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A12 includes a polypeptide havingthe amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ ID NO: 66.

As used herein, a “non-lipidated” A22 polypeptide includes a polypeptidehaving the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:15 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 64,and SEQ ID NO: 68. A “wild-type non-lipidated” A22 polypeptide includesa polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 15. A“non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A22 includes a polypeptide having theamino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 15 wherein the N-terminalCys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 64, and SEQ ID NO: 68.Preferably, a “non-pyruvylated non-lipidated” A22 includes a polypeptidehaving the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 68.

The term “deletion” of the N-terminal Cys as used herein includes amutation that deletes the N-terminal Cys, as compared to a wild-typenon-lipidated polypeptide sequence. For example, a “deletion” of theN-terminal Cys refers to a removal of the amino acid Cys from areference sequence, e.g., from the corresponding wild-type sequence,thereby resulting in a decrease of an amino acid residue as compared tothe reference sequence. Unless otherwise described, the terms“N-terminal Cys,” “N-terminal Cys at position 1,” “Cys at position 1”are interchangeable.

In another embodiment, the N-terminal Cys is substituted with an aminoacid that is not a Cys residue. For example, in an exemplary embodiment,the N-terminal Cys at position 1 of SEQ ID NOs: 12-21 includes a C→Gsubstitution at position 1. See, for example, SEQ ID NO: 62 as comparedto SEQ ID NO: 19 (B22 wild-type), and SEQ ID NO: 64 as compared to SEQID NO: 15 (A22 wild-type). Exemplary amino acids to replace theN-terminal Cys include any non-Cys amino acid, preferably a polaruncharged amino acid such as, for example, glycine. In a preferredembodiment, the substitution is made with a non-conservative residue toCys.

The inventors surprisingly discovered that expressing non-lipidatedORF2086 polypeptides having a deletion of an N-terminal Cys residueresulted in no detectable pyruvylation when measured by massspectrometry, as compared to the corresponding wild-type non-lipidatedORF2086 polypeptide. Examples of non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptides include those having an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12 (A04), SEQ ID NO:13 (A05), SEQ IDNO:14 (A12), SEQ ID NO:15 (A22), SEQ ID NO:16 (B02) SEQ ID NO:17 (B03),SEQ ID NO:18 (B09), SEQ ID NO:19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20 (B24), SEQ ID NO:21 (B44), and SEQ ID NO: 70 (A62), wherein the cysteine at position 1 isdeleted. Another example of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ IDNO: 58 (B01), wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. Additionalexamples of isolated non-pyruvylated, non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptidesinclude polypeptides having an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44 , SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50 , SEQID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO:75. A further example of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ IDNO: 57 (B01). Another example of an isolated non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide includes a polypeptide having SEQ IDNO: 77 (A05); a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 (A05) wherein the Cysat position 1 is deleted; and a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 (A05)wherein the Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that isnot a Cys residue. Further examples of non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedORF2086 polypeptides include those having an amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12

(A04), SEQ ID NO:13 (A05), SEQ ID NO:14 (A12), SEQ ID NO:15 (A22), SEQID NO: 58 (B01), SEQ ID NO:16 (B02) SEQ ID NO:17 (B03), SEQ ID NO:18(B09), SEQ ID NO:19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20 (B24), SEQ ID NO: 21 (B44), andSEQ ID NO: 70 (A62) wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substitutedwith an amino acid that is not a Cys residue. Preferably, thenon-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide includes at least about250, 255, or 260 consecutive amino acids, and at most about 270, 269,268, 267, 266, 265, 264, 263, 260, 259, 258, 257, 256, or 255consecutive amino acids. Any minimum value may be combined with anymaximum value to define a range. More preferably, the polypeptide has atleast 254 or 262 consecutive amino acids. In some embodiments, thepolypeptide has at most 262 consecutive amino acids. In otherembodiments, the polypeptide has at most 254 consecutive amino acids. Inone embodiment, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide includesthe amino acid sequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to a sequence encoding the correspondingnon-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 polypeptide includesthe amino acid sequence that is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71.

In one embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated, non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is operativelylinked to an expression system, wherein the expression system is capableof being expressed in a bacterial cell. In an exemplary embodiment, thenucleotide sequence is linked to a regulatory sequence that controlsexpression of the nucleotide sequence.

Suitable expression systems, regulatory sequences, and bacterial cellsare known in the art. For example, any plasmid expression vector, e.g.,PET™ (Novogen, Madison Wis.) or PMAL™ (New England Biolabs, Beverly,Mass.) can be used as long as the polypeptide is able to be expressed ina bacterial cell. Preferably, the PET™ vector is used for cloning andexpression of recombinant proteins in E. coli. In the PET™ system, thecloned gene may be expressed under the control of a phage T7 promotor.Exemplary bacterial cells include Pseudomonas fluorescens, andpreferably, E. coli.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedORF2086 polypeptide obtainable by the process. The polypeptide ispreferably isolated. The invention further relates to compositions thatinclude a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide obtainableby a process. The composition is preferably an immunogenic composition.The process includes expressing a nucleotide sequence encoding apolypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15,SEQ ID NO:16 SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO: 20,SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 58, and SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the cysteine atposition 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the process includesexpressing a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the aminoacid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 isdeleted. In a further embodiment, the process includes expressing anucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ IDNO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16 SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ IDNO:18, SEQ ID NO:19,

SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 58, and SEQ ID NO: 70, whereinthe cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is nota Cys residue. The nucleotide sequence is operatively linked to anexpression system that is capable of being expressed in a bacterialcell.

In one embodiment, the process includes expressing a nucleotide sequenceencoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49 , SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ IDNO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 57, andSEQ ID NO: 75. In another embodiment, the process includes expressing anucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acidsequence SEQ ID NO: 77. In another embodiment, the nucleotide sequenceis selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 51,SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, and SEQ ID NO: 72.Preferably the bacterial cell is E. coli.

B09, B44, A05: In one aspect, the invention relates to a compositionthat includes a first isolated polypeptide, which includes the aminoacid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 (B09), and a second isolatedpolypeptide, which includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ IDNO: 44 (B44). In a preferred embodiment, the polypeptides areimmunogenic. In another preferred embodiment, the composition furtherincludes an ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide from serogroup B N.meningitidis. Preferably, the ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide is anon-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide. In anexemplary embodiment, the ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptide is A05,examples of which include, for example, SEQ ID NO:

13, wherein the N-terminal cysteine at position 1 is deleted, and SEQ IDNO: 55. In another exemplary embodiment, the composition includes anon-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide having the amino acidsequence SEQ ID NO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted; SEQ IDNO: 76 wherein the Cys at position 1 is substituted with an amino acidthat is not a Cys residue; and SEQ ID NO: 77.

Polypeptide Domains

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing anisolated polypeptide. The method includes expressing in a bacterial cella polypeptide, which includes a sequence having greater than 90%identity to SEQ ID NO:21, said sequence includes at least one domainselected from the group consisting of amino acids 13-18 of SEQ ID NO:21, amino acids 21-34 of SEQ ID NO: 21, and amino acids 70-80 of SEQ IDNO: 21, or a combination thereof, wherein the polypeptide lacks anN-terminal cysteine. The method further includes purifying thepolypeptide. The polypeptide produced therein includes a non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. Preferably, the polypeptide isimmunogenic. In a preferred embodiment, the bacterial cell is E. coli.

Examples of polypeptides that include at least one domain selected fromthe group consisting of amino acids 13-18 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids21-34 of SEQ ID NO: 21, and amino acids 70-80 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or acombination thereof, include SEQ ID NO: 12 (A04), SEQ ID NO: 13 (A05),SEQ ID NO: 14 (A12), SEQ ID NO: 15

(A22), SEQ ID NO: 16 (B02), SEQ ID NO: 17 (B03), SEQ ID NO: 18 (B09),SEQ ID NO: 19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20 (B24), and SEQ ID NO: 21 (B44).Preferably the cysteine at position 1 of these polypeptides is deleted.In another embodiment, the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with anamino acid that is not a Cys residue. Further exemplary polypeptidesinclude SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQID NO: 62, and SEQ ID NO: 64. Another exemplary polypeptide includes SEQID NO: 70 and SEQ ID NO: 71. A further exemplary polypeptide includesSEQ ID NO: 76.

Yet another exemplary polypeptide includes SEQ ID NO: 77. Additionalexamples include SEQ ID NO: 80 (B24) and SEQ ID NO: 81 (B24).

In one exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide sequence furtherincludes at least one domain selected from the group consisting of aminoacids 96-116 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 158-170 of SEQ ID NO: 21,amino acids 172-185 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 187-199 of SEQ ID NO:21, amino acids 213-224 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 226-237 of SEQ IDNO: 21, amino acids 239-248 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or a combination thereof.Examples of polypeptides that include at least one domain selected fromthe group consisting of amino acids 13-18 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids21-34 of SEQ ID NO: 21, and amino acids 70-80 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or acombination thereof, and further including at least one domain selectedfrom the group consisting of amino acids 96-116 of SEQ ID NO: 21, aminoacids 158-170 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 172-185 of SEQ ID NO: 21,amino acids 187-199 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 213-224 of SEQ ID NO:21, amino acids 226-237 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 239-248 of SEQ IDNO: 21, or a combination thereof, include SEQ ID NO: 16 (B02), SEQ IDNO: 17 (B03), SEQ ID NO: 18 (B09), SEQ ID NO: 19 (B22), SEQ ID NO: 20(B24), and SEQ ID NO: 21 (B44). Preferably the cysteine at position 1 ofthese polypeptides is deleted. Further exemplary polypeptides include apolypeptide having the amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 44,SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, and SEQ ID NO: 55, and SEQ ID NO: 62.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide producedby a process described herein. In one embodiment, the isolatedpolypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide. In anotheraspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition produced bya process described herein.

Nucleotide Sequences Encoding the Polypeptides

B09: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptidethat includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 whereinthe N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 49. Exemplarynucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 49 include sequencesselected from SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, and SEQ ID NO: 48.Preferably, the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO: 46. In one aspect, theinvention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQID NO: 46. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolatednucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 47. In one aspect, theinvention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQID NO: 48.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a plasmid including a nucleotidesequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 48, andSEQ ID NO: 45, wherein the plasmid is capable of being expressed in abacterial cell. Suitable expression systems, regulatory sequences, andbacterial cells are known in the art, as described above. Preferably,the bacterial cell is E. coli.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide thatincludes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50. In anexemplary embodiment, SEQ ID NO: 50 is encoded by SEQ ID NO: 45.

B44: In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an isolatedpolypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ IDNO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44. Exemplarynucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 44 include sequencesselected from SEQ ID NO: 43 and SEQ ID NO: 51. Preferably, thenucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO: 43. In one aspect, the inventionrelates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 43.

A05: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptidethat includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 (A05)wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55.Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 55 includesequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 65, and SEQ ID NO: 73.Preferably, the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO: 65. In one aspect, theinvention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQID NO: 54. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolatednucleotide sequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 65. In one aspect, theinvention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequence that includes SEQID NO: 73.

A12: In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptidethat includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 (A12)wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 66. Exemplarynucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 66 include SEQ ID NO: 67. Inone aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequencethat includes SEQ ID NO: 67.

A22: In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an isolatedpolypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ IDNO: 15 (A22) wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 68.Exemplary nucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 68 include SEQ IDNO: 69. In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotidesequence that includes SEQ ID NO: 69.

A62: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptidehaving an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ IDNO: 71, wherein the first 20 amino acid residues of the sequence doesnot contain a cysteine. Preferably, the polypeptide includes the aminoacid sequence as shown at positions 1-184 of SEQ ID NO: 71. Thepolypeptide is preferably non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated. In anotherembodiment, the polypeptide is immunogenic.

In another embodiment, the isolated polypeptide includes a fragment ofA62. Exemplary fragments of A62 includes any number of contiguousresidues from SEQ ID NO: 70 or SEQ ID NO: 71. In one embodiment, theisolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions158-185 of SEQ ID NO: 71. In another embodiment, the isolatedpolypeptide includes the amino acid sequence at positions 159-186 of SEQID NO: 71. In one embodiment, the polypeptide includes at least 6contiguous amino acids from the amino acid sequence at positions 185-254of SEQ ID NO: 71.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acidsequence encoding an isolated polypeptide having an amino acid sequencethat is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71, wherein the first 20amino acid residues of the sequence does not contain a cysteine.Preferably, the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence setforth in SEQ ID NO: 71. In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acidsequence includes SEQ ID NO: 72.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptidethat includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 70 (A62)wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 71. Exemplarynucleotide sequences that encode SEQ ID NO: 71 include SEQ ID NO: 72. Inone aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleotide sequencethat includes SEQ ID NO: 72.

Immunogenic Compositions

In a preferred embodiment, the compositions described herein includingan isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide areimmunogenic. Immunogenic compositions that include a protein encoded bya nucleotide sequence from Neisseria meningitidis ORF2086 are known inthe art. Exemplary immunogenic compositions include those described inWO2003/063766, and US patent application publication numbers US20060257413 and US 20090202593, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. Such immunogenic compositions describedtherein include a protein exhibiting bactericidal activity identified asORF2086 protein, immunogenic portions thereof, and/or biologicalequivalents thereof. The ORF2086 protein refers to a protein encoded byopen reading frame 2086 of Neisseria species.

The protein may be a recombinant protein or an isolated protein fromnative Neisseria species. For example, Neisseria ORF2086 proteins may beisolated from bacterial strains, such as those of Neisseria species,including strains of Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, B, C, D,W-135, X, Y, Z, and 29E), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Neisserialactamica, as well as immunogenic portions and/or biological equivalentsof said proteins.

The ORF2086 proteins include 2086 Subfamily A proteins and Subfamily Bproteins, immunogenic portions thereof, and/or biological equivalentsthereof. 2086 subfamily A proteins and 2086 subfamily B proteins areknown in the art, see, for example Fletcher et al., 2004 cited above andMurphy et al., J Infect Dis. 2009 Aug 1;200(3):379-89. See alsoWO2003/063766 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US20060257413 and US 20090202593, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, which discloses SEQ ID NOs: 260 to 278therein as representing amino acid sequences associated with proteins of2086 Subfamily A. In addition, disclosed in WO2003/063766 are SEQ IDNOS: 279 to 299 therein as representing amino acid sequences associatedwith proteins of 2086 Subfamily B. WO2003/063766 is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. The ORF2086 proteins or equivalentsthereof, etc. may be lipidated or non lipidated. Preferably, theNeisseria ORF2086 protein is non lipidated. Alternatively, theimmunogenic compositions may be combinations of lipidated and nonlipidated ORF2086 proteins.

In (an) one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolatedprotein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a proteinencoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. In anotherembodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated proteinhaving at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identicalamino acid sequence identity to a protein encoded by a nucleotidesequence from Neisseria ORF2086.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolatedprotein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a SubfamilyA protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086.Preferably, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated Subfamily Aprotein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. In someembodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide is an A05, an A04, anA12, an A62, or an A22 variant. In some embodiments, the ORF2086Subfamily A polypeptide is an A05, an A12, or an A22 variant.

Combination of subfamily A polypeptides: In one embodiment, thecomposition includes any combination of ORF2086 Subfamily Apolypeptides.

Exemplary combinations of ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptides include, forexample, A05 and A12; A05 and A22; A05 and A62; A12 and A62; A12 andA22; A22 and A62; A05, A12, and A22; A05, A12, and A62; A12, A22, andA62; and A05, A22, and A62. Preferably, the ORF2086 Subfamily Apolypeptide is non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated.

In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolatedprotein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to a SubfamilyB protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086.Preferably, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated Subfamily Bprotein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. In someembodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is a B44, a B02, a B03, aB22, a B24 or a B09 variant. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 SubfamilyB protein is a B44, a B22, or a B09 variant.

Combination of subfamily B polypeptides: In one embodiment, thecomposition includes any combination of ORF2086 Subfamily Bpolypeptides. Exemplary combinations of ORF2086 Subfamily B polypeptidesinclude, for example, B09 and B22; B22 and B44; B44 and B09; B01 andB09; B01 and B22; B01 and B44;

and B09, B22, and B44; B09 and B24; B22 and B24; B24 and B44; B01 andB24; B02 and B24; B02 and B01, B02 abd B09; B02 and B44; B01, B09, andB24; B01, B24, and B44.

In a preferred embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes anisolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated polypeptide having at least 95%amino acid sequence identity to a Subfamily B protein encoded by anucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086. For example, in someembodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is sequences selected froma B44 having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21; a B02having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 16; a B03 having anamino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 17; a B22 having an aminoacid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:19; a B24 having an amino acidsequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 20; a B01 having an amino acid sequenceas shown in SEQ ID NO:58; or a B09 variant having an amino acid sequenceas shown in SEQ ID NO:18, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, or acombination thereof.

More preferably, the immunogenic composition includes a non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated B09 polypeptide, a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44polypeptide, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the compositionincludes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 variant having the aminoacid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:18, wherein the N-terminal Cys isdeleted, a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 having the amino acidsequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the N-terminal Cys isdeleted, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, theimmunogenic composition includes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09having SEQ ID NO: 49, a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 having SEQ IDNO: 44, or a combination thereof.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition thatincludes an ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptide from serogroup B N.meningitidis, wherein the polypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedB44. The B44 may include the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:21, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44. In oneembodiment, the composition further includes a second ORF2086 subfamilyB polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, wherein the secondpolypeptide is a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09. The B09 may includethe amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein theN-terminal Cys is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 49. In one embodiment, theimmunogenic composition is a vaccine.

In another embodiment, the composition includes no more than 3 ORF2086subfamily B polypeptides. In a further embodiment, the compositionincludes no more than 2 ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptides.

In a further embodiment, the composition includes at most 1, 2, or 3species of an ORF2086 subfamily B variant. In a further embodiment, thecomposition includes at most 1, 2, or 3 species of an ORF2086 subfamilyA variant.

Compositions including a Subfamily B polypeptide and a Subfamily Apolypeptide: In one embodiment, the composition further includes one ormore ORF2086 subfamily A polypeptides. In a preferred embodiment, thecomposition includes an A05 subfamily A polypeptide. More preferably,the A05 subfamily A polypeptide is non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated. Inanother preferred embodiment, the composition includes an A62 subfamilyA polypeptide. More preferably, the A62 subfamily A polypeptide isnon-lipidated and non-pyruvylated.

In yet another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes anisolated protein having at least 95% amino acid sequence identity to aSubfamily A protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from NeisseriaORF2086, and an isolated protein having at least 95% amino acid sequenceidentity to a Subfamily B protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence fromNeisseria ORF2086.

Preferably, the immunogenic composition includes an isolated Subfamily Aprotein encoded by a nucleotide sequence from Neisseria ORF2086 and anisolated Subfamily B protein encoded by a nucleotide sequence fromNeisseria ORF2086. More preferably, the immunogenic composition includesan isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated Subfamily A ORF2086polypeptide and an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated Subfamily BORF2086 polypeptide.

Combinations: Any combination of ORF2086 polypeptides are contemplated.In one embodiment, the composition includes at least one Subfamily Apolypeptide in the absence of Subfamily B polypeptides. For example, thecomposition includes only Subfamily A polypeptides. In anotherembodiment, the composition includes at least one Subfamily Bpolypeptide in the absence of Subfamily A polypeptides. For example, thecomposition includes only Subfamily A polypeptides.

The immunogenic composition may include any Subfamily A polypeptide orcombination thereof. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily Apolypeptide is an A05, an A04, an A12, or an A22 variant. In anotherembodiment, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide includes A62. In apreferred embodiment, the ORF2086 Subfamily A polypeptide is an A05having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 13; an A04 havingan amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 12; an A12 having an aminoacid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 14; or an A22 variant having anamino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein the N-terminalCys is deleted, or any combination thereof. Yet another exemplaryimmunogenic composition includes a combination of isolatednon-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 and A62 Subfamily A ORF2086polypeptides. For example, the immunogenic composition may include apolypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 55 and a polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 71.A further exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination ofisolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 and A12 Subfamily A ORF2086polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes acombination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12 and A62Subfamily A ORF2086 polypeptides.

The immunogenic composition may include any Subfamily B polypeptide orcombination thereof. In some embodiments, the ORF2086 Subfamily Bprotein is a B44, a B02, a B03, a B22, a B24 or a B09 variant. In apreferred embodiment, the ORF2086 Subfamily B protein is a B44 havingthe amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 21; a B02 having an aminoacid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 16; a B03 having an amino acidsequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 17; a B22 having an amino acid sequenceas shown in SEQ ID NO:19; a B24 having an amino acid sequence as shownin SEQ ID NO: 20; or a B09 variant having an amino acid sequence asshown in SEQ ID NO:18, wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted, or acombination thereof. Yet another exemplary immunogenic compositionincludes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 andB44 Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides. A further exemplary immunogeniccomposition includes a combination of isolated non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated B09 and B22 Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides. Anotherexemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination of isolatednon-pyruvylated non-lipidated B22 and B44 Subfamily B ORF2086polypeptides. An additional exemplary immunogenic composition includes acombination of isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09, B22, and B44Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides.

In one embodiment, the composition includes a non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide in the absence of a lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. Inanother embodiment, the composition includes a non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide and at least one lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the composition includes a non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide in the absence of a lipidated ORF2086polypeptide. In another embodiment, the composition includes a lipidatedORF2086 polypeptide and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide. For example, the composition may include a lipidated A05polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05having SEQ ID NO: 77. Another exemplary composition includes a lipidatedA05 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 76 and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedA62 having SEQ ID NO: 71. An additional exemplary composition includes alipidated B01 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 58 and a non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated A62 having SEQ ID NO: 71.

Exemplary combinations: One exemplary immunogenic composition includes acombination of an isolated non-lipidated A05, B09, B22, and B44 ORF2086polypeptides. For example, the immunogenic composition may include anon-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) Subfamily A ORF2086polypeptide and isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 (SEQ ID NO:49), B22 (SEQ ID NO: 75), and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) Subfamily B ORF2086polypeptides.

Another exemplary immunogenic composition includes a combination ofisolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 and A12 Subfamily A ORF2086polypeptides and isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B22 and B44Subfamily B ORF2086 polypeptides. A further exemplary immunogeniccomposition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12,B09, and B44 polypeptides. Yet another example includes isolatednon-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12, A62, B09, and B44 polypeptides. Yet afurther example includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05,A12, A62, B09, and B44 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogeniccomposition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and B09polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogenic composition includesisolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and B44 polypeptides. Anotherexemplary immunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated A62, B09, and B44 polypeptides. Another exemplaryimmunogenic composition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedA05, A62, and B44 polypeptides. Another exemplary immunogeniccomposition includes isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A62,B09, and B44 polypeptides.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes a 1:1 ratio of aSubfamily A protein to a Subfamily B protein. In another embodiment, theimmunogenic composition includes any one of the following ratios of aSubfamily A polypeptide to a Subfamily B polypeptide: 1:1; 1:2; 1:3;1:4; 1:5; 1:6; 1:7; 1:8; 1:9; or 1:10. In another embodiment, theimmunogenic composition includes any one of the following ratios of aSubfamily B polypeptide to a Subfamily A polypeptide: 1:1; 1:2; 1:3;1:4; 1:5; 1:6; 1:7; 1:8; 1:9; or 1:10.

Bactericidal Immune Responses

In one aspect, the isolated polypeptides and compositions describedherein elicit a bactericidal immune response in a mammal againstinfection from any serogroup of N. meningitidis, such as a serogroupselected from serogroup A, B, C, E29, H, I, K, L, W-135, X , Y and Z. Ina preferred embodiment, the isolated polypeptides and compositionsdescribed herein elicit a bactericidal immune response in a mammalagainst infection from serogroups A, B, C, W-135, Y and/or X.

In another aspect, the isolated polypeptides and compositions describedherein elicit a bactericidal immune response in a mammal against anORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis. The compositionshave the ability to induce bactericidal anti-meningococcal antibodiesafter administration to a mammal, and in preferred embodiments caninduce antibodies that are bactericidal against strains with therespective subfamilies. Further information on bactericidal responses isgiven below. See, for example, Examples 6, 11, 12, and 13.

In one embodiment, the compositions elicit a bactericidal immuneresponse against a heterologous subfamily of N. meningitidis serogroupB. For example, a composition including a non-lipidated subfamily Apolypeptide may elicit a bactericidal immune response against asubfamily A variant of N. meningitidis serogroup B and/or against asubfamily B variant of N. meningitidis serogroup B. See, for example,Examples 18-19.

In a further aspect, the isolated polypeptides and compositionsdescribed herein elicit a bactericidal immune response against at leastone of serogroup A, serogroup B, serogroup C, serogroup W135, and/orserogroup Y strains of N. meningitidis. In a preferred embodiment, thecompositions elicit a bactericidal immune response at least againstserogroup B, serogroup C, and serogroup Y of N. meningitidis. See, forexample, Example 21.

Bactericidal antibodies are an indicator of protection in humans andpreclinical studies serve as a surrogate, and any new immunogeniccomposition candidate described herein should elicit these functionalantibodies.

B09: In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide, andimmunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily B. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolatednon-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 18wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 49,and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily A or preferably subfamily B. Preferably, thenon-pyruvylated non-lipidated B09 polypeptide and immunogeniccompositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A05variant (SEQ ID NO: 13); B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21); B16 variant (SEQID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO: 20); B09 variant (SEQ ID NO: 18), ora combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated B09 polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof,elicits bactericidal antibodies against B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21); B16variant (SEQ ID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO: 20); B09 variant (SEQID NO: 18), or a combination thereof. See, for example, Example 11,Example 12, and Example 13.

B44: In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide, andimmunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily B. In another exemplary embodiment, theisolated non-pyruvulated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO:21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44,and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated B44 polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof,elicits bactericidal antibodies against the B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 21);B16 variant (SEQ ID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO: 20); B09 variant(SEQ ID NO: 18), or a combination thereof. See, for example, Example 11.Additionally, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide andimmunogenic compositions thereof may also elicit bactericidal antibodiesthat bind to the B02 variant (SEQ ID NO: 16). See, for example, Example12 and Example 13. Moreover, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44polypeptide and immunogenic compositions thereof may also elicitbactericidal antibodies that bind to B03 variant (SEQ ID NO: 17) and B15variant (SEQ ID NO: 59). See, for example, Example 6.

B22: In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated B22 polypeptide, andimmunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily B. In a further exemplary embodiment, theisolated non-pyruvulated non-lipidated B22 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO:19 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, and immunogeniccompositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g.,that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N.meningitidis, subfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedB22 polypeptide elicits bactericidal antibodies against the B44 variant(SEQ ID NO: 21); B16 variant (SEQ ID NO: 60); B24 variant (SEQ ID NO:20); B09 variant (SEQ ID NO: 18), or a combination thereof. See, forexample, Example 13.

A05: In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide, andimmunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily A. In one embodiment, the isolatednon-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 13wherein the N-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55, and immunogeniccompositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g.,that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N.meningitidis, subfamily A. In one embodiment, the isolated A05polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, wherein thecysteine at position 1 is deleted. In another embodiment, the isolatedA05 polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 76, whereinthe cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is nota Cys residue. In one embodiment, the isolated A05 polypeptide includesthe amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 77. Preferably, the non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated A05 and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicitsbactericidal antibodies against the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13), A22variant (SEQ ID NO: 15), A12 variant (SEQ ID NO: 14), or a combinationthereof. See, for example, Example 6 and 13.

A62: In one aspect, the isolated non-lipidated A62 polypeptide, andimmunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily A. In one embodiment, the isolated A62polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein thecysteine at position 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not aCys residue. In another embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated A62 polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 70 wherein theN-terminal Cys is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 71, and immunogenic compositionsthereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bindto) an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily Aand/or subfamily B. For example, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13), A12 variant (SEQ ID NO: 14),A22 variant (SEQ ID NO: 15), and A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 70). As anotherexample, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 and immunogeniccompositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A29variant, B09 variant, and B24 variant. See, for example, Examples 18-19.In another embodiment, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A62 andimmunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst the B16 variant.

A12: In one embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deletedor SEQ ID NO: 66, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicitsbactericidal antibodies against an ORF2086 polypeptide from serogroup BN. meningitidis, subfamily A and/or subfamily B. Preferably, thenon-pyruvylated non-lipidated A12 and immunogenic compositions thereof,elicits bactericidal antibodies against the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13),A22 variant (SEQ ID NO: 15), A12 variant (SEQ ID NO: 14), A62 variant(SEQ ID NO: 70), A29 variant, B09 variant. See, for example, Examples18-19.

In one embodiment, the isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A22polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 15 wherein the N-terminal Cys is deletedor SEQ ID NO: 68, and immunogenic compositions thereof, elicitsbactericidal antibodies against (e.g., that can bind to) an ORF2086polypeptide from serogroup B N. meningitidis, subfamily A and/orsubfamily B. Preferably, the non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A22 andimmunogenic compositions thereof, elicits bactericidal antibodiesagainst the A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13), A22 variant (SEQ ID NO: 15),A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 70), A29 variant. See, for example, Examples18-19.

Method of Eliciting Bactericidal Antibodies

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup A N. meningitidis in amammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup C N. meningitidis in amammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup W135 N. meningitidis in amammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup X N. meningitidis in amammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup Y N. meningitidis in amammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroups A, B, C, W-135, X and/orY N. meningitidis in a mammal. In one aspect, the invention relates to amethod of eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup B N.meningitidis in a mammal. In an exemplary embodiment, the methodincludes eliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to an ORF2086subfamily B serogroup B N. meningitidis, an ORF2086 subfamily Aserogroup B N. meningitidis, or a combination thereof.

The method includes administering to the mammal an effective amount ofan isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptide orimmunogenic composition thereof, as described above. See, for example,Examples 18-19, and 22.

In a preferred embodiment, the method includes eliciting bactericidalantibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily B serogroup B N.meningitidis. The isolated polypeptide or immunogenic compositionincludes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the composition further includes a non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated B09 polypeptide. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolatedpolypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ IDNO: 44, or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, theisolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 18,wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 21,wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, or a combinationthereof. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptideor immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 19, wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment, theimmunogenic composition for eliciting bactericidal antibodies specificto an ORF2086 subfamily B serogroup B N. meningitidis includes at leastone of a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05, A12, and A62 polypeptide.See, for example, Example 19.

In a preferred embodiment, the method includes eliciting bactericidalantibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily A serogroup B N.meningitidis. The isolated polypeptide or immunogenic compositionincludes a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 polypeptide. In a preferredembodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogenic composition includesSEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted. Inanother preferred embodiment, the composition further includes anon-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 polypeptide. See, for example, Example6 and 13. In an exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide orimmunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 44, or acombination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the isolated polypeptideor immunogenic composition includes SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted, or a combination thereof. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the isolated polypeptide or immunogeniccomposition includes SEQ ID NO: 77 (A05), SEQ ID NO: 44 (B44), or acombination thereof. In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition foreliciting bactericidal antibodies specific to an ORF2086 subfamily Aserogroup B N. meningitidis includes at least one of a non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated A05, A12, and A62 polypeptide. See, for example, Examples18-19. When an exemplary immunogenic composition including at least twonon-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides as described abovewas administered to mammals, the inventors surprisingly discovered thata synergistic bactericidal immune response may be elicited againstserogroup B of Neisseria meningitidis, as compared to an immunogeniccomposition including one respective non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedORF2086 polypeptide. See, for example, Example 19. Accordingly, in oneembodiment, the immunogenic composition includes at least a firstnon-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide that actssynergistically with at least a second pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086polypeptide to elicit an immune response against serogroup B ofNeisseria meningitidis.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup C of N. meningitidis in amammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effectiveamount of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptidefrom N. meningitidis serogroup B or an immunogenic composition thereof,as described above. See, for example, Example 22. In one embodiment, thepolypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO:21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment,the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16,SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ IDNO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an aminoacid that is not a Cys residue. In another embodiment, the immunogeniccomposition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupA, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharideof Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y. An exemplary immunogeniccomposition includes at least an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidatedA62 polypeptide and a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugateof a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup Y of N. meningitidis in amammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effectiveamount of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptidefrom N. meningitidis serogroup B or an immunogenic composition thereof,as described above. See, for example, Example 22. In one embodiment, thepolypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO:21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment,the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16,SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ IDNO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an aminoacid that is not a Cys residue. In another embodiment, the immunogeniccomposition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupA, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharideof Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of elicitingbactericidal antibodies specific to serogroup X of N. meningitidis in amammal. The method includes administering to the mammal an effectiveamount of an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated 2086 polypeptidefrom N. meningitidis serogroup B or an immunogenic composition thereof,as described above. See, for example, Example 22. In one embodiment, thepolypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO:21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. In one embodiment,the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:71 or the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16,SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ IDNO: 21, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is substituted with an aminoacid that is not a Cys residue. In another embodiment, the immunogeniccomposition further includes at least one conjugate selected from: a) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupA, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharideof Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

When an exemplary immunogenic composition including four non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptides and a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of each of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W135, andY as described above was administered to mammals, the inventorssurprisingly discovered that a synergistic bactericidal immune responsemay be elicited at least against serogroups B, C, and Y of Neisseriameningitidis, as compared to an immunogenic composition including theORF2086 polypeptides wherein conjugates of a capsular saccharide areabsent, and as compared to an immunogenic composition including aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of each of Neisseria meningitidisserogroups A, C, W135, and Y wherein an ORF2086 polypeptide is absent.See, for example, Example 22. Accordingly, in one embodiment, theimmunogenic composition includes at least one non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide that acts synergistically with atleast one conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup A, C, W135, and Y to elicit an immune response againstNeisseria meningitidis. The immune response elicited may be against atleast one of serogroups B, C, and Y of Neisseria meningitidis. Theimmunogenic composition may include a protein encoded by a nucleotidesequence from Neisseria ORF2086, polynucleotides, or equivalents thereofas the sole active immunogen in the immunogenic composition.Alternatively, the immunogenic composition may further include activeimmunogens, including other Neisseria sp. immunogenic polypeptides, orimmunologically-active proteins of one or more other microbial pathogens(e.g. virus, prion, bacterium, or fungus, without limitation) orcapsular polysaccharide. The compositions may comprise one or moredesired proteins, fragments or pharmaceutical compounds as desired for achosen indication.

Any multi-antigen or multi-valent immunogenic composition iscontemplated by the present invention. For example, the immunogeniccomposition may include combinations of two or more ORF2086 proteins, acombination of ORF2086 protein with one or more For A proteins, acombination of ORF2086 protein with meningococcus serogroup A, C, Y andW135 polysaccharides and/or polysaccharide conjugates, a combination ofORF2086 protein with meningococcus and pneumococcus combinations, or acombination of any of the foregoing in a form suitable for a desiredadministration, e.g., for mucosal delivery. Persons of skill in the artwould be readily able to formulate such multi-antigen or multi-valentimmunologic compositions.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic compositionincluding an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptidefrom Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugateselected from: a) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup A, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsularsaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugateof a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes an isolatednon-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseriameningitidis serogroup B, and at least two of the conjugates. In anotherembodiment, the composition includes at least three of the conjugates.For example, the compositions may include saccharides from: serogroups Aand C; serogroups A and W135, serogroups A and Y; serogroups C and W135,serogroups W135 and Y; serogroups A, C, and W135, serogroups A, C, andY; serogroups A, W135, and Y; serogroups C and W135, and Y. Compositionsincluding at least one serogroup C saccharide are preferred (e.g., C andY).

In yet another embodiment, the immunogenic composition includes anisolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide fromNeisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and four conjugates, e.g., aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupA; a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup C; a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup W135; and a conjugate of a capsular saccharide ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup Y.

In a preferred embodiment, the conjugate is a conjugate of the capsularsaccharide and a carrier protein. Suitable carrier proteins are known inthe art.

Preferably, the carrier protein is a bacterial toxin, such as adiphtheria or tetanus toxin, or toxoids or mutants thereof. Mostpreferably, the carrier protein is CRM₁₉₇. For example, in oneembodiment, the composition includes at least one conjugate selectedfrom (a) a conjugate of (i) the capsular saccharide of serogroup A N.meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇;(b) a conjugate of (i) the capsularsaccharide of serogroup C N. meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇;(c) aconjugate of (i) the capsular saccharide of serogroup W135 N.meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇; and (d) a conjugate of (i) the capsularsaccharide of serogroup Y N. meningitidis and (ii) CRM₁₉₇.

The capsular saccharides of serogroups A, C, W135, and Y arecharacterized and known in the art. For example, the capsular saccharideof serogroup A meningococcus is a homopolymer of (α1→6)-linkedN-acetyl-D-mannosamine-1-phosphate, with partial O-acetylation in the C3and C4 positions. Acetylation at the C-3 position can be 70-95%.Conditions used to purify the saccharide can result in de-O-acetylation(e.g. under basic conditions), but it is useful to retain OAc at thisC-3 position. In some embodiments, at least 50% (e.g. at least 60%, 70%,80%, 90%, 95% or more) of the mannosamine residues in a serogroup Asaccharides are O-acetylated at the C-3 position. Acetyl groups can bereplaced with blocking groups to prevent hydrolysis, and such modifiedsaccharides are still serogroup A saccharides within the meaning of theinvention.

The serogroup C capsular saccharide is a homopolymer of (α2→9)-linkedsialic acid (N-acetyl neuraminic acid). Most serogroup C strains haveO-acetyl groups at C-7 and/or C-8 of the sialic acid residues, but someclinical isolates lack these O-acetyl groups.

The serogroup W135 saccharide is a polymer of sialic acid-galactosedisaccharide units. Like the serogroup C saccharide, it has variableO-acetylation, but at sialic acid 7 and 9 positions. The structure iswritten as: →4)-D-NeupNAc(7/9OAc)-α-(2→6)-D-Gal-α-(1→.

The serogroup Y saccharide is similar to the serogroup W135 saccharide,except that the disaccharide-repeating unit includes glucose instead ofgalactose. The serogroup Y structure is written as:→4)-D-NeupNAc(7/9OAc)-α-(2→6)-D-Glc-α-(1→. Like serogroup W135, it hasvariable O-acetylation at sialic acid 7 and 9 positions.

The saccharides used according to the invention may be O-acetylated asdescribed above, e.g., with the same O-acetylation pattern as seen innative capsular saccharides, or they may be partially or totallyde-O-acetylated at one or more positions of the saccharide rings, orthey may be hyper-O-acetylated relative to the native capsularsaccharides.

In one embodiment, immunogenic composition includes an isolatednon-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseriameningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugate selected from: a) aconjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroupA, b) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseria meningitidisserogroup C, c) a conjugate of a capsular saccharide of Neisseriameningitidis serogroup W135, and d) a conjugate of a capsular saccharideof Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y, wherein the non-lipidated,non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide includes at least one of thefollowing: B44, B09, A05, B22, A12, A22, A62, B24, B16, B15, and B03. Inone embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO:75. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the amino acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO: 60, and SEQ ID NO: 20, wherein the cysteine at position 1is deleted. In another embodiment, the polypeptide includes the aminoacid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, and SEQ ID NO: 20, wherein the cysteine atposition 1 is substituted with an amino acid that is not a Cys residue.

The present invention also contemplates multi-immunization regimenswherein any composition useful against a pathogen may be combinedtherein or therewith the compositions of the present invention. Forexample, without limitation, a patient may be administered theimmunogenic composition of the present invention and anotherimmununological composition for immunizing against human papillomavirusvirus (HPV), such as the HPV vaccine GARDASIL®, as part of amulti-immunization regimen. Persons of skill in the art would be readilyable to select immunogenic compositions for use in conjunction with theimmunogenic compositions of the present invention for the purposes ofdeveloping and implementing multi-immunization regimens.

The ORF2086 polypeptides, fragments and equivalents can be used as partof a conjugate immunogenic composition; wherein one or more proteins orpolypeptides are conjugated to a carrier in order to generate acomposition that has immunogenic properties against several serotypes,or serotypes of N. meningitidis, specifically meningococcus serogroupsspecifically serogroup B, and/or against several diseases.Alternatively, one of the ORF2086 polypeptides can be used as a carrierprotein for other immunogenic polypeptides. Formulation of suchimmunogenic compositions is well known to persons skilled in this field.

Immunogenic compositions of the invention preferably include apharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluents, and/or carrier.Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers and/ordiluents include any and all conventional solvents, dispersion media,fillers, solid carriers, aqueous solutions, coatings, antibacterial andantifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and thelike. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, and/orcarriers include, for example, one or more of water, saline, phosphatebuffered saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like, as well ascombinations thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, and/or carriers mayfurther include minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting oremulsifying agents, preservatives or buffers, which enhance the shelflife or effectiveness of the antibody. The preparation and use ofpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, and/or carriers iswell known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agentis incompatible with the active ingredient, use thereof in theimmunogenic compositions of the present invention is contemplated.

Immunogenic compositions can be administered parenterally, e.g., byinjection, either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, as well as orallyor intranasally. Methods for intramuscular immunization are described byWolff et al. Biotechniques;11(4):474-85, (1991). and by Sedegah et al.PNAS Vol. 91, pp. 9866-9870, (1994). Other modes of administrationemploy oral formulations, pulmonary formulations, suppositories, andtransdermal applications, for example, without limitation. Oralformulations, for example, include such normally employed excipients as,for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch,magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate,and the like, without limitation. Preferably, the immunogeniccomposition is administered intramuscularly.

The immunogenic compositions of the present invention can furthercomprise one or more additional “immunomodulators”, which are agentsthat perturb or alter the immune system, such that either up-regulationor down-regulation of humoral and/or cell-mediated immunity is observed.In one particular embodiment, up-regulation of the humoral and/orcell-mediated arms of the immune system is preferred. Examples ofcertain immunomodulators include, for example, an adjuvant or cytokine,or ISCOMATRIX (CSL Limited, Parkville, Australia), described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,254,339 among others.

Non-limiting examples of adjuvants that can be used in the vaccine ofthe present invention include the RIBI adjuvant system (Ribi Inc.,Hamilton, Mont.), alum, mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide gel,oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions such as, e.g., Freund'scomplete and incomplete adjuvants, Block copolymer (CytRx, Atlanta Ga.),QS-21 (Cambridge Biotech Inc., Cambridge Mass.), SAF-M (Chiron,Emeryville Calif.), AMPHIGEN® adjuvant, saponin, Quil A or other saponinfraction, monophosphoryl lipid A, and Avridine lipid-amine adjuvant.Non-limiting examples of oil-in-water emulsions useful in the vaccine ofthe invention include modified SEAM62 and SEAM 1/2 formulations.Modified SEAM62 is an oil-in-water emulsion containing 5% (v/v) squalene(Sigma), 1% (v/v) SPAN® 85 detergent (ICI Surfactants), 0.7% (v/v)polysorbate® 80 detergent (ICI Surfactants), 2.5% (v/v) ethanol, 200μg/ml Quil A, 100 μg/ml cholesterol, and 0.5% (v/v) lecithin. ModifiedSEAM 1/2 is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising 5% (v/v) squalene, 1%(v/v) SPAN® 85 detergent, 0.7% (v/v) polysorbate 80 detergent, 2.5%(v/v) ethanol, 100 μg/ml Quil A, and 50 μg/ml cholesterol.

Other “immunomodulators” that can be included in the vaccine include,e.g., one or more interleukins, interferons, or other known cytokines orchemokines. In one embodiment, the adjuvant may be a cyclodextrinderivative or a polyanionic polymer, such as those described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,165,995 and 6,610,310, respectively. It is to be understoodthat the immunomodulator and/or adjuvant to be used will depend on thesubject to which the vaccine or immunogenic composition will beadministered, the route of injection and the number of injections to begiven.

In some embodiments, the adjuvant is saponin. In some embodiments, thesaponin concentration is between 1 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml; between 5 μg/mland 150 μg/ml; or between 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml. In some embodiments,the saponin concentration is about 1 μg/ml; about 5 μg/ml; about 10μg/ml; about 20 μg/ml; about 30 μg/ml; about 40 μg/ml; about 50 μg/ml;about 60 μg/ml; about 70 μg/ml; about 80 μg/ml; about 90 μg/ml; about100 μg/ml; about 110 μg/ml; about 120 μg/ml; about 130 μg/ml; about 140μg/ml; about 150 μg/ml; about 160 μg/ml; about 170 μg/ml; about 180μg/ml; about 190 μg/ml; about 200 μg/ml; about 210 μg/ml; about 220μg/ml; about 230 μg/ml; about 240 μg/ml; or about 250 μg/ml.

In certain preferred embodiments, the proteins of this invention areused in an immunogenic composition for oral administration whichincludes a mucosal adjuvant and used for the treatment or prevention ofN. meningitidis infection in a human host. The mucosal adjuvant can be acholera toxin; however, preferably, mucosal adjuvants other than choleratoxin which may be used in accordance with the present invention includenon-toxic derivatives of a cholera holotoxin, wherein the A subunit ismutagenized, chemically modified cholera toxin, or related proteinsproduced by modification of the cholera toxin amino acid sequence. For aspecific cholera toxin which may be particularly useful in preparingimmunogenic compositions of this invention, see the mutant choleraholotoxin E29H, as disclosed in Published International Application WO00/18434, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. These may be added to, or conjugated with, the polypeptides ofthis invention. The same techniques can be applied to other moleculeswith mucosal adjuvant or delivery properties such as Escherichia coliheat labile toxin (LT).

Other compounds with mucosal adjuvant or delivery activity may be usedsuch as bile; polycations such as DEAE-dextran and polyornithine;detergents such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulphate; lipid-conjugatedmaterials; antibiotics such as streptomycin; vitamin A; and othercompounds that alter the structural or functional integrity of mucosalsurfaces. Other mucosally active compounds include derivatives ofmicrobial structures such as MDP; acridine and cimetidine. STIMULON™QS-21, MPL, and IL-12, as described above, may also be used.

The immunogenic compositions of this invention may be delivered in theform of ISCOMS (immune stimulating complexes), ISCOMS containing CTB,liposomes or encapsulated in compounds such as acrylates orpoly(DL-lactide-co-glycoside) to form microspheres of a size suited toadsorption. The proteins of this invention may also be incorporated intooily emulsions.

An amount (i.e., dose) of immunogenic composition that is administeredto the patient can be determined in accordance with standard techniquesknown to those of ordinary skill in the art, taking into considerationsuch factors as the particular antigen, the adjuvant (if present), theage, sex, weight, species, condition of the particular patient, and theroute of administration.

For example, a dosage for an adolescent human patient may include atleast 0.1 μg, 1 μg, 10 μg, or 50 μg of a Neisseria ORF2086 protein, andat most 80 μg, 100 μg, 150 μg, or 200 μg of a Neisseria ORF2086 protein.Any minimum value and any maximum value may be combined to define asuitable range.

Adjuvants

Immunogenic compositions as described herein also comprise, in certainembodiments, one or more adjuvants. An adjuvant is a substance thatenhances the immune response when administered together with animmunogen or antigen. A number of cytokines or lymphokines have beenshown to have immune modulating activity, and thus are useful asadjuvants, including, but not limited to, the interleukins 1-α, 1-β, 2,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,127), 13, 14, 15,16, 17 and 18 (and its mutant forms); the interferons-α, β and γ;granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (see, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,996 and ATCC Accession Number 39900); macrophagecolony stimulating factor (M-CSF), granulocyte colony stimulating factor(G-CSF); and the tumor necrosis factors α and β.

Still other adjuvants that are useful with the immunogenic compositionsdescribed herein include chemokines, including without limitation,MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES; adhesion molecules, such as aselectin, e.g., L-selectin, P-selectin and E-selectin; mucin-likemolecules, e.g., CD34, GlyCAM-1 and MadCAM-1; a member of the integrinfamily such as LFA-1, VLA-1, Mac-1 and p150.95; a member of theimmunoglobulin superfamily such as PECAM, ICAMs, e.g., ICAM-1, ICAM-2and ICAM-3, CD2 and LFA-3; co-stimulatory molecules such as B7-1,B7-2,CD40 and CD40L; growth factors including vascular growth factor,nerve growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor,PDGF, BL-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor; receptor moleculesincluding Fas, TNF receptor, Flt, Apo-1, p55, WSL-1, DR3, TRAMP, Apo-3,AIR, LARD, NGRF, DR4, DRS, KILLER, TRAIL-R2, TRICK2, and DR6; andCaspase (ICE).

Other exemplary adjuvants include, but are not limited to aluminumhydroxide; aluminum phosphate; STIMULON™ QS-21 (AquilaBiopharmaceuticals, Inc., Framingham, Mass.); MPL™ (3-O-deacylatedmonophosphoryl lipid A; Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.), 529 (an amino alkylglucosamine phosphate compound, Corixa, Hamilton, Mont.), IL-12(Genetics Institute, Cambridge, Mass.); GM-CSF (Immunex Corp., Seattle,Wash.); N-acetyl-muramyl-L-theronyl-D-isoglutamine (thr-MDP);N-acetyl-nor-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (CGP 11637, referred to asnor-MDP);N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl-L-alanine-2-(1′-2′-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-hydroxyphos-phoryloxy-ethylamine) (CGP 19835A, referred to as MTP-PE); and cholera toxin. In certainpreferred embodiments, the adjuvant is QS-21.

Additional exemplary adjuvants include non-toxic derivatives of choleratoxin, including its A subunit, and/or conjugates or geneticallyengineered fusions of the N. meningitidis polypeptide with cholera toxinor its B subunit (“CTB”), procholeragenoid, fungal polysaccharides,including schizophyllan, muramyl dipeptide, muramyl dipeptide (“MDP”)derivatives, phorbol esters, the heat labile toxin of E. coli, blockpolymers or saponins.

Aluminum phosphate has been used as the adjuvant in a phase 1 clinicaltrial to a concentration 0.125 mg/dose, much lower than the limit of0.85 mg/dose specified by the US Code of Federal Regulations[610.15(a)]. Aluminum-containing adjuvants are widely used in humans topotentiate the immune response of antigens when administeredintramuscularly or subcutaneously. In some embodiments, theconcentration of aluminum in the immunogenic composition is between0.125 μg/ml and 0.5 μg/ml; between 0.20 μg/ml and 0.40 μg/ml; or between0.20 μg/ml and 0.30 μg/ml. In some embodiments, the concentration ofaluminum in the immunogenic composition is about 0.125 μg/ml; about 0.15μg/ml; about 0.175 μg/ml; about 0.20 μg/ml; about 0.225 μg/ml; about0.25 μg/ml; about 0.275 μg/ml; about 0.30 μg/ml; about 0.325 μg/ml;about 0.35 μg/ml; about 0.375 μg/ml; about 0.40 μg/ml; about 0.425μg/ml; about 0.45 μg/ml; about 0.475 μg/ml; or about 0.50 μg/ml.

In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of aluminum in theimmunogenic composition is between 0.125 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml; between0.20 mg/ml and 0.40 mg/ml; or between 0.20 mg/ml and 0.30 mg/ml. In someembodiments, the concentration of aluminum in the immunogeniccomposition is about 0.125 mg/ml; about 0.15 mg/ml; about 0.175 mg/ml;about 0.20 mg/ml; about 0.225 mg/ml; about 0.25 mg/ml; about 0.275mg/ml; about 0.30 mg/ml; about 0.325 mg/ml; about 0.35 mg/ml; about0.375 mg/ml; about 0.40 mg/ml; about 0.425 mg/ml; about 0.45 mg/ml;about 0.475 mg/ml; or about 0.50 mg/ml.

Suitable adjuvants used to enhance an immune response further include,without limitation, MPL™ (3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A, Corixa,Hamilton, Mont.), which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,094. Alsosuitable for use as adjuvants are synthetic lipid A analogs oraminoalkyl glucosamine phosphate compounds (AGP), or derivatives oranalogs thereof, which are available from Corixa (Hamilton, Mont.), andwhich are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,918. One such AGP is2-[(R)-3-Tetradecanoyloxytetradecanoylamino]ethyl2-Deoxy-4-O-phosphono-3-O-[(R)-3-tetradecanoyoxytetrade-canoyl]-2-[(R)-3-tetradecanoyloxytetradecanoyl-amino]-b-D-glucopyranoside,which is also known as 529 (formerly known as RC529). This 529 adjuvantis formulated as an aqueous form (AF) or as a stable emulsion (SE).

Still other adjuvants include muramyl peptides, such asN-acetyl-muramyl-L-threonyl-D-isoglutamine (thr-MDP),N-acetyl-normuramyl-L-alanine-2-(1′-2′dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-hydroxyphosphoryl-oxy)-ethylamine(MTP-PE); oil-in-water emulsions, such as MF59 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,884)(containing 5% Squalene, 0.5% polysorbate 80, and 0.5% SPAN 85(optionally containing various amounts of MTP-PE) formulated intosubmicron particles using a microfluidizer such as Model 110Ymicrofluidizer (Microfluidics, Newton, Mass.)), and SAF (containing 10%Squalene, 0.4% polysorbate 80, 5% PLURONIC-blocked polymer L121, andthr-MDP, either microfluidized into a submicron emulsion or vortexed togenerate a larger particle size emulsion); incomplete Freund's adjuvant(IFA); aluminum salts (alum), such as aluminum hydroxide, aluminumphosphate, aluminum sulfate; AMPHIGEN; Avridine; L121/squalene;D-lactide-polylactide/glycoside; PLURONIC polyols; killed Bordetella;saponins, such as Stimulon™ QS-21 (Antigenics, Framingham, Mass.),described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,540, ISCOMATRIX (CSL Limited,Parkville, Australia), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,339, andimmunostimulating complexes (ISCOMATRIX); Mycobacterium tuberculosis;bacterial lipopolysaccharides; synthetic polynucleotides such asoligonucleotides containing a CpG motif (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,646);IC-31 (Intercell AG, Vienna, Austria), described in European Patent Nos.1,296,713 and 1,326,634; a pertussis toxin (PT) or mutant thereof, acholera toxin or mutant thereof (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,285,281,7,332,174, 7,361,355 and 7,384,640); or an E. coli heat-labile toxin(LT) or mutant thereof, particularly LT-K63, LT-R72 (e.g., U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,149,919, 7,115,730 and 7,291,588).

Methods of Producing Non-Lipidated P2086 Antigens

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of producing anon-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide. The method includesexpressing a nucleotide sequence encoding an ORF2086 polypeptide whereinthe N-terminal cysteine is deleted as compared to the correspondingwild-type sequence, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is operativelylinked to an expression system that is capable of being expressed in abacterial cell. Exemplary polypeptides produced by the method includeany polypeptide described herein. For example, preferably, thepolypeptide has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12; SEQID NO: 13; SEQ ID NO: 14; SEQ ID NO: 15; SEQ ID NO: 16; SEQ ID NO: 17;SEQ ID NO: 18; SEQ ID NO: 19; SEQ ID NO: 20; SEQ ID NO: 21; SEQ ID NO:58; SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted, ascompared to the corresponding wild-type sequence. In another preferredembodiment, the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQID NO: 76, wherein the cysteine at position 1 is deleted. Additionalexemplary polypeptides include a polypeptide having the amino acidsequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66,SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 71, and SEQ ID NO: 75. An additional exemplarypolypeptide includes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence SEQ IDNO: 77. Further examples include SEQ ID NO: 80 (B24) and SEQ ID NO: 81(B24). The method further includes purifying the polypeptide.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for producingsoluble non-lipidated P2086 antigens comprising the steps of cloning theORF2086 variant nucleic acid sequence into an E. coli expression vectorwithout a lipidation control sequence, transforming E. coli bacteriawith the ORF2086 expression vector, inducing expression and isolatingthe expressed P2086 protein. In some embodiments, expression is inducedwith IPTG.

In some embodiments, the codon for the N-terminal Cys of the ORF2086variant is deleted. Examples of such codons include TGC. In someembodiments, the codon for the N-terminal Cys of the ORF2086 variant ismutated by point mutagenesis to generate an Ala, Gly, or Val codon. Insome embodiments, Ser and Gly codons are added to the N-terminal tail ofthe ORF2086 variant to extend the Gly/Ser stalk immediately downstreamof the N-terminal Cys. In some embodiments, the total number of Gly andSer residues within the Gly/Ser stalk is at least 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or12. In some embodiments, the codon for the N-terminal Cys is deleted. Insome embodiments, the N-terminal 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 residues areeither Gly or Ser.

In some embodiments, the codons of the N-terminal tail of thenon-lipidated ORF2086 variant are optimized by point mutagenesis. Insome embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated ORF2086variant is optimized to match the N-terminal tail of the B09 variant. Insome embodiments, the codons of the N-terminal tail of the ORF2086variant are optimized by point mutagenesis such that the codon encodingthe fifth amino acid of the ORF2086 variant is 100% identical tonucleotides 13-15 of SEQ ID NO: 8 and the codon encoding the thirteenthamino acid of the ORF2086 variant is 100% identical to nucleotides 37-39of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of thenon-lipidated ORF2086 variant is optimized such that the 5′ 45 nucleicacids are 100% identical to nucleic acids 1-45 of SEQ ID NO: 8. In someembodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated ORF2086 variant isoptimized such that the 5′ 42 nucleic acids are 100% identical tonucleic acids 4-45 of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the N-terminaltail of the non-lipidated ORF2086 variant is optimized such that the 5′39 nucleic acids are 100% identical to nucleic acids 4-42 of SEQ ID NO:8. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated P2086variant comprises at least one amino acid substitution compared to aminoacids 1-15 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail ofthe non-lipidated P2086 variant comprises two amino acid substitutionscompared to amino acids 1-15 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, theN-terminal tail of the non-lipidated P2086 variant comprises at leastone amino acid substitution compared to amino acids 2-15 of SEQ ID NO:18. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail of the non-lipidated P2086variant comprises two amino acid substitutions compared to amino acids2-15 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutionsare conservative amino acid substitutions.

In some embodiments, the codons of the non-lipidated variant have beenoptimized for increased expression. Codon optimization is known in theart. See, e.g., Sastalla et al, Applied and Environmental Microbiology,vol. 75(7): 2099-2110 (2009) and Coleman et al, Science, vol. 320: 1784(2008). In some embodiments, codon optimization includes matching thecodon utilization of an amino acid sequence with the codon frequency ofthe host organism chosen while including and/or excluding specific DNAsequences. In some embodiments, codon optimization further includesminimizing the corresponding secondary mRNA structure to reducetranslational impediments. In some embodiments, the N-terminal tail hasbeen codon optimized to comprise any one of SEQ ID NO: 28, 30, 32, and34. In some embodiments, the Gly/Ser stalk has been codon optimized tocomprise any one of SEQ ID NO: 28, 30, 32, and 34.

In order that this invention may be better understood, the followingexamples are set forth. The examples are for the purpose of illustrationonly and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Immunogenic Composition Formulations

In certain embodiments, the immunogenic compositions of the inventionfurther comprise at least one of an adjuvant, a buffer, acryoprotectant, a salt, a divalent cation, a non-ionic detergent, aninhibitor of free radical oxidation, a diluent or a carrier.

The immunogenic compositions of the invention may further comprise oneor more preservatives in addition to a plurality of meningococcalprotein antigens and capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugates. The FDArequires that biological products in multiple-dose (multi-dose) vialscontain a preservative, with only a few exceptions. Vaccine productscontaining preservatives include vaccines containing benzethoniumchloride (anthrax), 2-phenoxyethanol (DTaP, HepA, Lyme, Polio(parenteral)), phenol (Pneumo, Typhoid (parenteral), Vaccinia) andthimerosal (DTaP, DT, Td, HepB, Hib, Influenza, JE, Mening, Pneumo,Rabies). Preservatives approved for use in injectable drugs include,e.g., chlorobutanol, m-cresol, methylparaben, propylparaben,2-phenoxyethanol, benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzoicacid, benzyl alcohol, phenol, thimerosal and phenylmercuric nitrate.

Formulations of the invention may further comprise one or more of abuffer, a salt, a divalent cation, a non-ionic detergent, acryoprotectant such as a sugar, and an anti-oxidant such as a freeradical scavenger or chelating agent, or any multiple combinationthereof. The choice of any one component, e.g., a chelator, maydetermine whether or not another component (e.g., a scavenger) isdesirable. The final composition formulated for administration should besterile and/or pyrogen free. The skilled artisan may empiricallydetermine which combinations of these and other components will beoptimal for inclusion in the preservative containing immunogeniccompositions of the invention depending on a variety of factors such asthe particular storage and administration conditions required.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which iscompatible with parenteral administration comprises one or morephysiologically acceptable buffers selected from, but not limited to,Tris (trimethamine), phosphate, acetate, borate, citrate, glycine,histidine and succinate. In certain embodiments, the formulation isbuffered to within a pH range of about 6.0 to about 9.0, preferably fromabout 6.4 to about 7.4.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to adjust the pH of theimmunogenic composition or formulation of the invention. The pH of aformulation of the invention may be adjusted using standard techniquesin the art. The pH of the formulation may be adjusted to be between 3.0and 8.0. In certain embodiments, the pH of the formulation may be, ormay adjusted to be, between 3.0 and 6.0, 4.0 and 6.0, or 5.0 and 8.0. Inother embodiments, the pH of the formulation may be, or may adjusted tobe, about 3.0, about 3.5, about 4.0, about 4.5, about 5.0, about 5.5,about 5.8, about 6.0, about 6.5, about 7.0, about 7.5, or about 8.0. Incertain embodiments, the pH may be, or may adjusted to be, in a rangefrom 4.5 to 7.5, or from 4.5 to 6.5, from 5.0 to 5.4, from 5.4 to 5.5,from 5.5 to 5.6, from 5.6 to 5.7, from 5.7 to 5.8, from 5.8 to 5.9, from5.9 to 6.0, from 6.0 to 6.1, from 6.1 to 6.2, from 6.2 to 6.3, from 6.3to 6.5, from 6.5 to 7.0, from 7.0 to 7.5 or from 7.5 to 8.0. In aspecific embodiment, the pH of the formulation is about 5.8.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which iscompatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more divalentcations, including but not limited to MgCl₂, CaCl₂ and MnCl₂, at aconcentration ranging from about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, with up to about5 mM being preferred.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which iscompatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more salts,including but not limited to sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodiumsulfate, and potassium sulfate, present at an ionic strength which isphysiologically acceptable to the subject upon parenteral administrationand included at a final concentration to produce a selected ionicstrength or osmolarity in the final formulation. The final ionicstrength or osmolality of the formulation will be determined by multiplecomponents (e.g., ions from buffering compound(s) and othernon-buffering salts. A preferred salt, NaCl, is present from a range ofup to about 250 mM, with salt concentrations being selected tocomplement other components (e.g., sugars) so that the final totalosmolarity of the formulation is compatible with parenteraladministration (e.g., intramuscular or subcutaneous injection) and willpromote long term stability of the immunogenic components of theimmunogenic composition formulation over various temperature ranges.Salt-free formulations will tolerate increased ranges of the one or moreselected cryoprotectants to maintain desired final osmolarity levels.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which iscompatible with parenteral administration comprises one or morecryoprotectants selected from but not limited to disaccharides (e.g.,lactose, maltose, sucrose or trehalose) and polyhydroxy hydrocarbons(e.g., dulcitol, glycerol, mannitol and sorbitol).

In certain embodiments, the osmolarity of the formulation is in a rangeof from about 200 mOs/L to about 800 mOs/L, with a preferred range offrom about 250 mOs/L to about 500 mOs/L, or about 300 mOs/L-about 400mOs/L. A salt-free formulation may contain, for example, from about 5%to about 25% sucrose, and preferably from about 7% to about 15%, orabout 10% to about 12% sucrose. Alternatively, a salt-free formulationmay contain, for example, from about 3% to about 12% sorbitol, andpreferably from about 4% to 7%, or about 5% to about 6% sorbitol. Ifsalt such as sodium chloride is added, then the effective range ofsucrose or sorbitol is relatively decreased. These and other suchosmolality and osmolarity considerations are well within the skill ofthe art.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which iscompatible with parenteral administration comprises one or more freeradical oxidation inhibitors and/or chelating agents. A variety of freeradical scavengers and chelators are known in the art and apply to theformulations and methods of use described herein. Examples include butare not limited to ethanol, EDTA, a EDTA/ethanol combination,triethanolamine, mannitol, histidine, glycerol, sodium citrate, inositolhexaphosphate, tripolyphosphate, ascorbic acid/ascorbate, succinicacid/succinate, malic acid/maleate, desferal, EDDHA and DTPA, andvarious combinations of two or more of the above. In certainembodiments, at least one non-reducing free radical scavenger may beadded at a concentration that effectively enhances long term stabilityof the formulation. One or more free radical oxidationinhibitors/chelators may also be added in various combinations, such asa scavenger and a divalent cation. The choice of chelator will determinewhether or not the addition of a scavenger is needed.

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention which iscompatible with parenteral administration comprises one or morenon-ionic surfactants, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid esters, Polysorbate-80 (TWEEN 80), Polysorbate-60(TWEEN 60), Polysorbate-40 (TWEEN 40) and Polysorbate-20 (TWEEN 20),polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, including but not limited to BRIJ 58, BRIJ35, as well as others such as TRITON X-100; TRITON X-114, NP40, SPAN 85and the

PLURONIC series of non-ionic surfactants (e.g., PLURONIC 121), withpreferred components Polysorbate-80 at a concentration from about 0.001%to about 2% (with up to about 0.25% being preferred) or Polysorbate-40at a concentration from about 0.001% to 1% (with up to about 0.5% beingpreferred).

In certain embodiments, a formulation of the invention comprises one ormore additional stabilizing agents suitable for parenteraladministration, e.g., a reducing agent comprising at least one thiol(—SH) group (e.g., cysteine, N-acetyl cysteine, reduced glutathione,sodium thioglycolate, thiosulfate, monothioglycerol, or mixturesthereof). Alternatively or optionally, preservative-containingimmunogenic composition formulations of the invention may be furtherstabilized by removing oxygen from storage containers, protecting theformulation from light (e.g., by using amber glass containers).

Preservative-containing immunogenic composition formulations of theinvention may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents,carriers or excipients, which includes any excipient that does notitself induce an immune response. Suitable excipients include but arenot limited to macromolecules such as proteins, saccharides, polylacticacids, polyglycolic acids, polymeric amino acids, amino acid copolymers,sucrose (Paoletti et al, 2001, Vaccine, 19:2118), trehalose, lactose andlipid aggregates (such as oil droplets or liposomes). Such diluent,excipient, and/or carriers are well known to the skilled artisan.Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are discussed, e.g., in Gennaro,2000, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20^(th) edition,ISBN:0683306472.

Compositions of the invention may be lyophilized or in aqueous form,i.e. solutions or suspensions. Liquid formulations may advantageously beadministered directly from their packaged form and are thus ideal forinjection without the need for reconstitution in aqueous medium asotherwise required for lyophilized compositions of the invention.

Direct delivery of immunogenic compositions of the present invention toa subject may be accomplished by parenteral administration(intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, intradermally, subcutaneously,intravenously, or to the interstitial space of a tissue); or by rectal,oral, vaginal, topical, transdermal, intranasal, ocular, aural,pulmonary or other mucosal administration. In a preferred embodiment,parenteral administration is by intramuscular injection, e.g., to thethigh or upper arm of the subject. Injection may be via a needle (e.g.,a hypodermic needle), but needle free injection may alternatively beused. A typical intramuscular dose is 0.5 mL. Compositions of theinvention may be prepared in various forms, e.g., for injection eitheras liquid solutions or suspensions. In certain embodiments, thecomposition may be prepared as a powder or spray for pulmonaryadministration, e.g., in an inhaler. In other embodiments, thecomposition may be prepared as a suppository or pessary, or for nasal,aural or ocular administration, e.g., as a spray, drops, gel or powder.

Optimal amounts of components for a particular immunogenic compositionmay be ascertained by standard studies involving observation ofappropriate immune responses in subjects. Following an initialvaccination, subjects can receive one or several booster immunizationsadequately spaced.

Packaging and Dosage Forms

Immunogenic compositions of the invention may be packaged in unit doseor multi-dose form (e.g. 2 doses, 4 doses, or more). For multi-doseforms, vials are typically but not necessarily preferred over pre-filledsyringes. Suitable multi-dose formats include but are not limited to: 2to 10 doses per container at 0.1 to 2 mL per dose. In certainembodiments, the dose is a 0.5 mL dose. See, e.g., International PatentApplication WO2007/127668, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Compositions may be presented in vials or other suitable storagecontainers, or may be presented in pre-filled delivery devices, e.g.,single or multiple component syringes, which may be supplied with orwithout needles. A syringe typically but need not necessarily contains asingle dose of the preservative-containing immunogenic composition ofthe invention, although multi-dose, pre-filled syringes are alsoenvisioned. Likewise, a vial may include a single dose but mayalternatively include multiple doses.

Effective dosage volumes can be routinely established, but a typicaldose of the composition for injection has a volume of 0.5 mL. In certainembodiments, the dose is formulated for administration to a humansubject. In certain embodiments, the dose is formulated foradministration to an adult, teen, adolescent, toddler or infant (i.e.,no more than one year old) human subject and may in preferredembodiments be administered by injection.

Liquid immunogenic compositions of the invention are also suitable forreconstituting other immunogenic compositions which are presented inlyophilized form. Where an immunogenic composition is to be used forsuch extemporaneous reconstitution, the invention provides a kit withtwo or more vials, two or more ready-filled syringes, or one or more ofeach, with the contents of the syringe being used to reconstitute thecontents of the vial prior to injection, or vice versa.

Alternatively, immunogenic compositions of the present invention may belyophilized and reconstituted, e.g., using one of a multitude of methodsfor freeze drying well known in the art to form dry, regular shaped(e.g., spherical) particles, such as micropellets or microspheres,having particle characteristics such as mean diameter sizes that may beselected and controlled by varying the exact methods used to preparethem. The immunogenic compositions may further comprise an adjuvantwhich may optionally be prepared with or contained in separate dry,regular shaped (e.g., spherical) particles such as micropellets ormicrospheres. In such embodiments, the present invention furtherprovides an immunogenic composition kit comprising a first componentthat includes a stabilized, dry immunogenic composition, optionallyfurther comprising one or more preservatives of the invention, and asecond component comprising a sterile, aqueous solution forreconstitution of the first component. In certain embodiments, theaqueous solution comprises one or more preservatives, and may optionallycomprise at least one adjuvant (see, e.g., WO2009/109550 (incorporatedherein by reference).

In yet another embodiment, a container of the multi-dose format isselected from one or more of the group consisting of, but not limitedto, general laboratory glassware, flasks, beakers, graduated cylinders,fermentors, bioreactors, tubings, pipes, bags, jars, vials, vialclosures (e.g., a rubber stopper, a screw on cap), ampoules, syringes,dual or multi-chamber syringes, syringe stoppers, syringe plungers,rubber closures, plastic closures, glass closures, cartridges anddisposable pens and the like. The container of the present invention isnot limited by material of manufacture, and includes materials such asglass, metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) andpolymers (e.g., thermoplastics, elastomers, thermoplastic-elastomers).In a particular embodiment, the container of the format is a 5 mL SchottType 1 glass vial with a butyl stopper. The skilled artisan willappreciate that the format set forth above is by no means an exhaustivelist, but merely serve as guidance to the artisan with respect to thevariety of formats available for the present invention. Additionalformats contemplated for use in the present invention may be found inpublished catalogues from laboratory equipment vendors and manufacturerssuch as United States Plastic Corp. (Lima, Ohio), VWR.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Experimental Procedures Serum Bactericidal Assay

Cynomolgus macaques (n=5/group) were immunized intramuscularly withrLP2086 or rP2086 (A+B) proteins adsorbed to AIPO₄ . Cynomolgus macaquesare an example of non-human primates. Animals were vaccinated at weeks0, 4 and 24, and ORF2086-specific IgG and functional antibody titerswere determined at weeks 0, 4, 6 and 26. Serum ORF2086-specific IgGtiters were determined against rLP2086A and B.

Functional antibody titers were examined by serum bactericidal assay(SBA) against Neisseria meningitidis strains expressing either LP2086with sequences homologous or heterologous to those contained in thevaccine.

Serum bactericidal antibodies in macaques or rabbits immunized withORF2086 vaccine were determined using SBAs with human complement. Rabbitimmune sera or macaques immune sera were heat-inactivated to removeintrinsic complement activity and subsequently serially diluted 1:2 inDulbecco's PBS with Ca2+ and Mg2+ (D-PBS) in a 96-well microtiter plateto test for serum bactericidal activity against N. meningitidis strains.Bacteria used in the assay were grown in GC media supplemented withKellogg's supplement (GCK) and monitored by optical density at 650 nm.Bacteria were harvested for use in the assay at a final OD₆₅₀ of0.50-0.55, diluted in D-PBS and 1000-3000 CFU were added to the assaymixture with 20% human complement.

Human serum with no detectable bactericidal activity was used as theexogenous complement source. Complement sources were tested forsuitability against each individual test strain. A complement source wasused only if the number of bacteria surviving in controls without addedimmune sera was >75%. Ten unique complement sources were required toperform the SBAs described in this study.

After a 30 min incubation at 37° C. with 5% CO₂, D-PBS was added to thereaction mixture and aliquots transferred to microfilter plates filledwith 50% GCK media. The microfilter plates were filtered, incubatedovernight at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ and microcolonies were stained andquantified. The serum bactericidal titers were defined as theinterpolated reciprocal serum dilution that yielded a 50% reduction inCFU compared to the CFU in control wells without immune sera. The SBAtiter is defined as the reciprocal of the interpolated dilution of testserum that causes a 50% reduction in bacterial counts after a 30minincubation at 37° C. Susceptibility to killing with ORF2086 immune serawas established if there was a 4-fold or greater rise in SBA titer forORF2086 immune sera compared to the corresponding pre-immune sera. Serathat were negative against the assay strain at the starting dilutionwere assigned a titer of one half the limit of detection for the assay(i.e. 4).

Example 2 Cloning and Expression of Non-Lipidated ORF2086 Variants

The mature P2086 amino acid sequence corresponding to residues 27-286from N. meningitidis strain M98250771 (A05) was originally derived fromPCR amplification from genomic DNA. The forward primer, with a sequenceof TGCCATATGAGCAGCGGAAGCGGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 22), annealed to the 5′sequence and contained an Ndel site for cloning. The reverse primer,with a sequence of CGGATCCCTACTGTTTGCCGGCGATGC (SEQ ID NO: 23), annealedto the 3′ end of the gene and contained a termination codon TAG followedby restriction site BamHl. The 799 bp amplified fragment was firstcloned into an intermediate vector PCR2.1 (Invitrogen, Carlesbac,Calif.) This plasmid was cleaved with Ndel and BamHl, and was ligatedinto expression vector pET9a (Novagen, Madison, Wis.) which had beencleaved with Ndel and BamHl. The resulting vector pLA100 (which includesSEQ ID NO: 54), expressed the mature Subfamily A05 P2086 from strainM98250771 without the N-terminal cysteine (see SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55) that would bepresent in the lipidated protein. BLR(DE3) E. coli host strain [F-ompThsdSB(rB-mB-) gal dcm Δ(srl-recA)306::Tn10 (TetR) (DE3)] (Novagen) wasused to obtain expression of fHBP.

The same cloning steps were used to prepare the B02, B03, B09, B22, B24,B44, A04, A12, and A22 N-terminal Cys-deleted variants. The N-terminalCys-containing variants were also prepared by this same method usingforward primers which also included the Cys codon (e.g. the first codonof SEQ ID NOs: 1-11). Based on the sequences provided herein, theskilled worker would be able to design forward and reverse primers foreach of these variants. For example, the following primers were used toamplify the B44 non-lipidated variant followed by cloning into pET9ausing Ndel and Blpl.

TABLE 1 N-terminal SEQ ID Cys Primer Sequence NO Included-Fwd 5′TTTCTTcccgggAAGGAGatatacat 24 atgTGCAGCAGCGGAGGCGGCGG 3′ Included-Rev 5′TTTCTTgctcagcaTTATTGC 25 TTGGCGGCAAGACCGAT 3′ Deleted-Fwd 5′TTTCTTcccgggAAGGAGatatacat 26 atgAGCAGCGGAGGCGGCGG 3′ Deleted-Rev 5′TTTCTTgctcagcaTTATTGC 27 TTGGCGGCAAGACCGAT 3′

Results

Non-lipidated plasmid constructs were strongly expressed, but thenon-lipidated protein variants were pyruvylated at the N-terminal Cysresidue. See Examples 8 and 9, which describes, for example, a methodfor expressing the constructs. To overcome this pyruvylation, theN-terminal Cys codon was deleted. See, for example, Example 10. Deletionof the N-terminal Cys, however, abrogated expression of the A22 and B22variants. See e.g., FIG. 4. The A05, B01, and B44 variants, however,were still expressed despite deletion of the N-terminal Cys residue.See, for example, SEQ ID NO: 13 (A05), wherein the N-terminal Cys atposition 1 is deleted, SEQ ID NO: 35 (B01 N-terminus), and SEQ ID NO:21(B44),wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted. See e.g.,FIG. 5. In addition, expression of the non-lipidated B09 variant was notaffected by deletion of the N-terminal Cys residue. See, for example,Example 4.

Example 3 Effect of Gly/Ser Stalk on Non-Lipidated Variant Expression

To determine why the A05, B01, and B44 variants were expressed in theabsence of the N-terminal Cys and the A22 and B22 variants were not, thesequences of these variants were aligned. The A05, B01, and B44 variantsall possess an extended series of 10 or 11 Gly and Ser residuesimmediately following the N-terminal Cys (i.e. Gly/Ser stalk). The A22and B22 variants, however, only had a Gly/Ser stalk consisting of 6 Glyand Ser residues. Accordingly, the Gly/Ser stalk of the A22 and B22variants was expanded by insertion of additional Gly and Ser residues.

Long Gly/Ser stalk variants were prepared by the methods described inExample 2 using forward primers that encode a Gly/Ser stalk with either10 or 11 Gly and Ser residues.

The N-terminal Cys-deleted, long Gly/Ser stalk (10-11 Gly/Ser residues)A22 and B22 variants showed increased expression over the N-terminalCys-deleted A22 and B22 short Gly/Ser stalk (6 Gly/Ser residues)variants. These expression levels, however, were still reduced comparedto the A05, B01, and B44 variant expression levels.

Example 4 Codon Optimization

Expression of the non-lipidated B09 variant was not affected by deletionof the N-terminal Cys residue (see SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the cysteineat position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 49). See, e.g., FIG. 6. Sequenceevaluation of the B09 variant demonstrated that the B09 variant has aGly/Ser stalk consisting of 6 Gly and Ser residues, similar to theGly/Ser stalk of the A22 and B22 variants. Indeed, the N-terminal tailsof the B09 and A22 variants are identical at the amino acid level. TheN-terminal tails of the B09 and A22 variants (SEQ ID NO: 53 and 42,respectively), however, vary at the nucleic acid level by 2 nucleicacids: nucleic acids 15 and 39 of SEQ ID NO: 8. See e.g., FIG. 6. Thefirst 14 amino acids of the N-terminal tail of the B22 variant areidentical to the B09 and A22 variants, and the N-terminal tail of theB22 variant only differs at the 15th amino acid. Nucleic acids 1-42 ofthe B22 variant are identical to nucleic acids 1-42 of the A22 variant.Nucleic acids 1-42 of the B22 variant (see SEQ ID NO: 52) are identicalto nucleic acids 1-42 of B09 (see SEQ ID NO: 53) but for differences atnucleic acids 15 and 39, when optimally aligned. Accordingly, the B22variant differs from the B09 variant at amino acids 15 and 39 of SEQ IDNO: 8. This last sentence contains a typographical error and shouldstate that the B22 variant differs from the B09 variant at nucleic acids15 and 39 of SEQ ID NO: 8.

To determine if the nucleic acid differences affected the expressionlevel of the B09 variant compared to the A22 and B22 variants, the A22and B22 variants were mutated by point mutation to incorporate nucleicacids 15 and 39 into the corresponding codons for Gly5 and Glyl3.Incorporation of these silent nucleic acid mutations significantlyincreased expression of the A22 and B22 N-terminal Cys-deleted variantsto levels similar to the N-terminal Cys-deleted B09 variant. See e.g.,FIG. 7. Accordingly, codon optimization to match the B09 variant canincrease expression of N-terminal Cys-deleted non-lipidated P2086variants.

Further analysis of the non-lipidated variant sequences suggestedadditional codon optimizations in the Gly/Ser stalk to improveexpression. Accordingly, additional non-lipidated variants wereconstructed by the method of Example 2 using forward primers comprisingsuch codon optimized sequences. The forward primers used to generateoptimized Gly/Ser stalks include any of the following sequences:

ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 28)  M  S  S  G  G  G  G  S  G  G  G  G (SEQ ID NO: 29)ATGAGCTCTGGAAGCGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 30)  M  S  S  G  S  G  S  G  G  G  G (SEQ ID NO: 31)ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 32)  M  S  S  G  G  G  G (SEQ ID NO: 33)ATGAGCAGCGGGGGCGGTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 34)  M  S  S  G  G  G  G (SEQ ID NO: 33)

Example 5 Immunogenic Composition Formulation Optimization

ISCOMATRIX formulated vaccines generate a rapid immune responseresulting in a reduction in the number of dosages required to achieve agreater than 4 fold response rate as measured in a serum bactericidalassay. Groups of five rhesus macaques were immunized with differentformulations of a bivalent non-lipidated rP2086 vaccine. The vaccineincluded a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 55encoded by SEQ ID NO: 54) and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44variant (SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 isdeleted or SEQ ID NO: 44 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 51). The adjuvant unitsare as follows: AIPO₄ is 250 mcg, ISCOMATRIX is between 10 and 100 mcg.The adjuvant units for AIPO₄ shown in Tables 2-5 are shown as milligramunits, and are therefore shown as 0.25 (milligram) as opposed to 250mcg.

The immunization schedule was 0, 4 and 24 wks with bleeds at 0, 4, 6 and26 weeks. There were no increases in SBA titers at post dose one for anyof the groups. At post dose two, an increase in SBA titers and thenumber of responders as defined by a 4 fold increase in SBA titer abovebaseline was observed for formulations containing the ISCOMATRIXadjuvant. Tables 2 and 3 provide the SBA GMTs observed for a fHBPSubfamily A and B strain respectively. SBA GMTs for the ISCOMATRIXformulations were 3-19 and 4-2 4 fold higher than those observed for theAIPO4 formulation for the A and B subfamily strains respectively.Enhanced titers were also observed at post dose three for the ISCOMATRIXformulations at 13-95 and 2-10 for a fHBP Subfamily A and B strainrespectively compared to the Al PO4 formulation. Analysis of theresponder rates, as defined by a four fold or greater increase in SBAtiter over baseline revealed a similar trend (Tables 4 and 5).

TABLE 2 SBA titers (GMTs) obtained for against a MnB LP2086 Subfamily Astrain immune serum from rhesus macaques immunized with differentformulations of a bivalent rP2086 vaccine Adjuvant Geometric Mean titer(GMT) Vaccine lipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 −0.25 — − − − + — 10 − − + +++ 0.25 10 − − + ++ — 100 − − ++ ++++ 0.25100 − − + +++ Five monkeys per group; Immunization schedule: 0, 4, 24weeks; bleed schedule 0, 4, 6 and 26 wks. SBA test strain MnB M98250771. “−” <8; “+” 8-32; “++” 33-128; “+++” 129-512; “++++” >512

TABLE 3 SBA titers (GMTs) obtained for against a MnB LP2086 Subfamily Bstrain immune serum from rhesus macaques immunized with differentformulations of a bivalent rP2086 vaccine Adjuvant Geometric Mean titer(GMT) Vaccine lipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 −0.25 — − − + +++ — 10 − − +++ ++++ 0.25 10 − − +++ ++++ — 100 − − +++++++ 0.25 100 − − ++ ++++ Five monkeys per group; Immunization schedule:0, 4, 24 weeks; bleed schedule 0, 4, 6 and 26 wks. SBA test strain MnBCDC1127. “−” <8; “+” 8-32; “++” 33-128; “+++” 129-512; “++++” >512

TABLE 4 Number of rhesus macaques with a ≧4 fold rise in SBA Titer usinga MnB LP2086 Subfamily A strain Adjuvant No. of responders^(b) Vaccinelipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 − 0.25 — 0 0 0 2— 10 0 0 3 5 0.25 10 0 0 2 5 — 100 0 0 4 5 0.25 100 0 0 2 5

TABLE 5 Number of rhesus macaques with a ≧4 fold rise in SBA Titer usinga MnB LP2086 Subfamily B strain Adjuvant No. of responders^(b) Vaccinelipidation AlPO4 ISCOMATRIX ® wk0 wk4 wk6 wk26 A05/B44 − 0.25 — 0 0 3 5— 10 0 0 5 5 0.25 10 0 0 5 5 — 100 0 0 4 4 0.25 100 0 0 3 5

Example 6 Immunoprotection Conferred by Lipidated and Non-LipidatedVariants

A recombinantly expressed non-lipidated P2086 variant (B44) inducesbroad protection as measured by SBA against strains that representdiverse fHBP variants (from about 85% to about <92% ID) LP2086sequences. These response rates were obtained for a non lipidatedvaccine formulated with AIPO₄. See Table 6, which shows SBA responserates to a subfamily B fHBP MnB strain generated by a bivalent fHBPvaccine. The non-lipidated vaccine (represented by a “-” under the“lipidation” column) included 1 mcg per protein of a non-pyruvylatednon-lipidated A05 variant (SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys atposition 1 is deleted) and a non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44 variant(SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted).

Alternatively, a recombinantly expressed non-lipidated P2086 variant(B44) induces greater immune responses as measured by SBA titer than alipidated variant (B01) against strains bearing similar (>92% ID) anddiverse (<92% ID) LP2086 sequences. Higher response rates (as defined bya four fold increase or greater in SBA titers over baseline) wasobserved for the vaccine containing the non-lipidated rP2086 B44compared to the lipidated rLP2086 B01 vaccine (Table 6).

According to Table 6, non-lipidated B44 is a preferred subfamily Bcomponent of fHBP in a composition for providing broad coverage against(e.g., eliciting bactericidal antibodies against) multiple LP2086variant strains.

Surprisingly, the inventors noted that LP2086 B09 variant strains areparticularly unlikely to have positive SBA response rates with regard toheterologous (non-B09) ORF2086 polypeptides. In particular, theinventors found that LP2086 B09 is an exception in terms of an assaystrain against which the A05/B44 immunogenic composition described inTable 6 elicited bactericidal antibodies. Therefore, in a preferredembodiment an immunogenic composition of the invention includes a B09polypeptide, in particular in the context of a composition includingmore than one ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptide. In a preferred embodimentan immunogenic composition that includes a non lipidated B44 may alsoinclude a non-lipidated B09 polypeptide.

TABLE 6 SBA response rates to a Subfamily B fHBP MnB strains generatedby bivalent fHBP vaccines Immune serum from rhesus macaques. % ID toLP2086 Matched Variant Subfamilyfor % of non-lipidated responders Assaylipid- Vaccine PD3 Wk Adjuvant Strain Vaccine ation Component 26 B02A05/B01 + 99.6 80 A05/B44 − 100 AIPO4 B03 A05/B01 + 86.7 50 0.25 mgA05/B44 − 80 B09 A05/B01 + 86.3 0 A05/B44 − 0 B15 A05/B01 + 86.7 25A05/B44 − 80 B16 A05/B01 + 87.1 0 A05/B44 − 50 B16 A05/B01 + 87.1 0A05/B44 − 60 B24 A05/B01 + 85.9 0 A05/B44 − 60 B44 A05/B01 + 100 100A05/B44 − 100 ISCOMATRIX ® A05 A05/B44 − 100 100 (10 mcg) ISCOMATRIX ®A05 A05/B44 − 100 100 (100 mcg) ISCOMATRIX ® A22 A05/B44 − 88.9 80 (10mcg) ISCOMATRIX ® A22 A05/B44 − 88.9 100 (100 mcg) Five monkeys pergroup; Immunization schedule: 0, 4, 24 weeks; bleed schedule 0, 4, 6,and 26 wks.

Example 7 Codon Optimization of the B44 and B09 Variants

Although the expression levels achieved in the preceding examples wereadequate for many applications, further optimization was desirable, andE. coli expression constructs containing additional codon optimizationover the full length of the protein were prepared and tested. One suchimproved sequence for expression of a non-Cys B44 protein was found tobe the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43. As shown inExample 9, the expression construct containing SEQ ID NO: 43 showedenhanced expression compared to that of the non-optimized wild typesequence.

Expression of the N-terminal Cys deleted B09 protein was improved byapplying codon changes from the above optimized B44 (SEQ ID NO: 43)construct to B09 (SEQ ID NO: 48). To generate optimized B09 sequences,the B44 optimized DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO: 43) was first aligned to theDNA sequence of the B09 allele (SEQ ID NO: 48). The entire non-lipidatedcoding sequence of the B09 allele (SEQ ID NO: 48) was optimized toreflect the codon changes seen in the B44 optimized allele (SEQ ID NO:43) wherever the amino acids between B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) and B09 (SEQ IDNO: 49) were identical. Codon sequences in the B09 allele correspondingto the identical amino acids between the B09 allele and the B44 allelewere changed to reflect the codon used in the B44 optimized sequence(SEQ ID NO: 43). Codon sequences for amino acids that differ between B09(SEQ ID NO: 49) and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) were not changed in the B09 DNAsequence.

Additionally, the non-lipidated B44 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 44)contains two sequential serine-glycine repeat sequences (S-G-G-G-G)(SEQID NO: 56)(see also amino acids 2 to 6 of SEQ ID NO: 44) at itsN-terminus, whereas the B09 allele contains only one serine-glycinerepeat at the N-terminus (see amino acids 2 to 6 and amino acids 7 to 11of SEQ ID NO: 49). The two serine-glycine repeats at the N-terminus ofB44 (amino acids 2 to 6 and amino acids 7 to 11 of SEQ ID NO: 44) alsohave different codon usage (see nucleotides 4 to 18 and nucleotides 19to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43), and different combinations of the optimized B44serine-glycine repeat (e.g., either nucleotides 4 to 18 of SEQ ID NO:43, or nucleotides 19 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43, or a combination thereof)were applied to the B09 DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO: 48, e.g., applied tonucleotides 4 to 18 of SEQ ID NO: 48) in order to examine the effect onrecombinant protein expression.

Three different versions of optimized B09 were constructed: SEQ ID NO:45 contains both serine-glycine repeats (GS1 and GS2) (nucleic acids 4to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43) from the optimized B44, SEQ ID NO: 46 containsGS1 (nucleic acids 4 to 18 of SEQ ID NO: 43), and SEQ ID NO: 47 containsGS2 (nucleic acids 19 to 33 of SEQ ID NO: 43). The DNA for all of theabove codon optimized sequences were chemically synthesized usingstandard in the art chemistry. The resulting DNA was cloned intoappropriate plasmid expression vectors and tested for expression in E.coli host cells as described in Examples 8 and 9.

Example 8 Method for Expressing ORF2086, B09 Variant

Cells of E. coli K-12 strain (derivatives of wild-type W3110 (CGSC4474)having deletions in recA, fhuA and araA) were transformed with plasmidpEB063, which includes SEQ ID NO: 45, pEB064, which includes SEQ ID NO:46, plasmid pEB065, which includes SEQ ID NO: 47, or plasmid pLA134,which includes SEQ ID NO: 48. The preferred modifications to the K-12strain are helpful for fermentation purposes but are not required forexpression of the proteins.

Cells were inoculated to a glucose-salts defined medium. After 8 hoursof incubation at 37° C. a linear glucose feed was applied and incubationwas continued for an additional 3 hours. Isopropylβ-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) was added to the culture to a finalconcentration of 0.1 mM followed by 12 hours of incubation at 37° C.Cells were collected by centrifugation at 16,000×g for 10 minutes andlysed by addition of Easy-Lyse™ Cell Lysing Kit” from LiencoTechnologies (St. Louis, Mo.) and loading buffer. The cleared lysateswere analyzed for expression of B09 by Coomassie staining of SDS-PAGEgels and/or Western blot analysis with quantitation by a scanningdensitometer. The results from scanning densitometry are below in Table7:

TABLE 7 Expression data in E. coli Percentage of total cell protein at12 hours post IPTG induction, as measured by SDS-PAGE, scanning ProteinHost cell Plasmid desitometry B09 E. coli K-12 pEB063 24% SEQ ID NO: 45B09 E. coli K-12 pEB065 12% SEQ ID NO: 47 B09 E. coli K-12 pEB064 38%SEQ ID NO: 46 B09 E. coli K-12 pLA134 13% SEQ ID NO: 48

Example 9 Method for Expressing ORF2086, B44 Variant

Cells of E. coli B strain (BLR(DE3), Novagen) were transformed withplasmid pLN056, which includes SEQ ID NO: 51. Cells of E. coli K-12strain (derivative of wild-type W3110) were transformed with plasmidpDK087, which includes SEQ ID NO: 43. Cells were inoculated to aglucose-salts defined medium. After 8 hours of incubation at 37° C. alinear glucose feed was applied and incubation was continued for anadditional 3 hours. Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) wasadded to the culture to a final concentration of 0.1 mM followed by 12hours of incubation at 37° C. Cells were collected by centrifugationat16,000×g for 10 minutes and lysed by addition of Easy-Lyse™ CellLysing Kit” from Lienco Technologies (St. Louis, Mo.) and loadingbuffer. The supermatants were analyzed for expression of B09 byCOOMASSIE staining of SDS-PAGE gels and/or Western blot analysis, withquantitation by a scanning densitometer. The results from scanningdensitometry are below in Table 8:

TABLE 8 Expression data in E. coli Percentage of total cell protein at12 hours post IPTG induction, as measured by SDS-PAGE, scanning ProteinHost cell Plasmid desitometry. B44 E. coli B pLN056  1% SEQ ID NO: 51B44 E. coli K-12 pDK087 17% SEQ ID NO: 43

Example 10 Pyruvylation

The present example demonstrates that the N-terminal Cys residue ofnon-lipidated ORF2086 proteins can become pyruvylated when expressed in,for example, E. coli.

Heterologous protein accumulation during production of variants A05 (SEQID NO: 13) and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 21) were monitored using reverse-phasehigh performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This separation wasinterfaced with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (QTOF-MS)to provide a means of monitoring formation of product related variants.

After being expressed in the E. coli B and/or K-12 host cells, productsderived from these fermentations underwent a purification procedureduring which a product modification was observed. Deconvolution of themass spectra characterized the variants as exhibiting mass shifts of +70Da, as compared to native products of 27640 and 27572 Da for A05 andB44, respectively.

Published literature indicated that a +70 Da mass shift had previouslybeen observed in proteins and has been attributed to pyruvylation of theamino-terminal residue.

The presence and location of the pyruvate group was confirmed using themass spectral fragmentation data (MS/MS). The data indicated that themodification was on an amino-terminal cysteine residue, i.e., amino acidat position 1, according to A05 and B44. For A05, the percentage ofpyruvylated polypeptides was about 30%, as compared to the total numberof A05 polypeptides (SEQ ID NO: 13). For B44 the percentage ofpyruvylated polypeptides was about 25%, as compared to the total numberof B44 polypeptides (SEQ ID NO: 21).

When A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13 wherein the N-terminal Cys at position 1 isdeleted or SEQ ID NO: 55) and B44 variants (SEQ ID NO: 21 wherein theN-terminal Cys at position 1 is deleted or SEQ ID NO: 44), which do notcontain an amino-terminal cysteine, were purified, there was nodetectable pyruvylation (+70 Da).

Example 11 Immunogenicity of B09 and B44, Individually and inCombination

5 -10 groups of rhesus maccaques monkeys were immunized with B09 variant(SEQ ID NO: 49 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 48) or B44 variant (SEQ ID NO: 44encoded by SEQ ID NO: 43), or the A05, B09 and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQID NO: 49 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 48, and SEQ ID NO: 44 encoded by SEQ IDNO: 43, respectively) formulated with 250 mcg of AIPO₄ per dose. Themonkeys were vaccinated via the intramuscular route at weeks 0, 4 and 8with 10 mcg each of non-lipidated fHBP alone or in combination as listedin Table 9 and 10. Both weeks 0 and 12 serum samples were analyzed inSBAs against MnB strains with either subfamily A or subfamily B fHBPvariants. Responders were recorded as animals with a 4×rise in titer.The B44 variant tested was the optimized construct (SEQ ID NO: 43) andthe broad response rates that were observed in previous studies (tableabove) were maintained for the optimized construct (Table 9) the B44vaccine alone or in combination with B09. The B09 vaccine alone (Table10) could also generate broadly cross reactive immune responses (Table10).

TABLE 9 Response rates obtained for non lipidated fHBP vaccines inrhesus macaques % ≧4 X Rise Against Test Variant (PD3; 10 rhesusmacaques per group) Vaccine A05 B44 B16 B24 B09 (10 mcg (SEQ ID (SEQ ID(SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID per protein; NO: 13) NO: 21) NO: 60) NO: 20) NO:18) B44 0 80 30 40 30 B44 + B09 + 60 80 40 50 30 A05

Rhesus macaques (n=10) were immunized i.m. at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 10mcg each of non-lipidated fHBP alone or in combination as listed in theVaccine column in formulation with 250 mcg of AIPO₄. Both weeks 0 and 10serum samples were analyzed in SBAs against the MnB strains listed inthe table. Responders are recorded as animals with a 4×rise in titer.

Table 9 indicates, for example, that a composition including acombination of non-pyruvylated non-lipidated B44, B09, and A05 showedhigher cross-coverage against the test variants as compared to thecross-coverage from a composition including B44 alone. In view ofresults shown in the present application, including in particular Table6 and Table 9 together, compositions including B44, B09 and A05 alone orin combination are preferred embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, compositions including both B44 and B09 are disclosed. Suchcomposition preferably further includes a subfamily A polypeptide, suchas in particular A05.

TABLE 10 Response rates obtained for non lipidated fHBP B09 vaccine inrhesus macaques % ≧ 4 × Rise Against Test Variant Vaccine (PD3; 5 rhesusmacaques per group) (10 mcg per protein) A05 B44 B16 B24 B09 B09 40 6040 60 60

Rhesus macaques (n=5) were immunized i.m. at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 10mcg each of non-lipidated fHBP alone or in combination as listed in theVaccine column in formulation with 250 mcg of AIPO₄. Both weeks 0 and 10serum samples were analyzed in SBAs against the MnB strains listed inthe table. Responders are recorded as animals with a 4×rise in titer.

Example 12 Immunoprotection Conferred by Lipidated and Non-LipidatedVariants Construct

Twenty female New Zealand white rabbits, 2.5-3.5 kg, obtained fromCharles River Canada, were pre-screened by whole cell ELISA and 10animals were selected for this study based on their low backgroundtiters against the test strains representing fHBP variants B02 (SEQ IDNO: 16) and B44 (SEQ ID NO: 21) (Table 11). Group of three animals werei.m. immunized with 100 μg of each protein formulated with 50 μgISCOMATRIX per 0.5 ml dose at weeks 0, 4 and 9 (Table 12). Group 1 wasvaccinated with non-lipidated B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44). A control group wasincluded that was vaccinated with lipidated B01 formulated with AIPO4(250 mcg) Rabbits were bled at weeks 0, 4, 9 and 10. Individual serafrom week 10 were prepared and analyzed by serum bactericidal assayagainst multiple serogroup B meningococcal strains from the fHBP Bsubfamily.

TABLE 11 Rabbits Used in The Study Species: Rabbit Strain: New Zealandwhite Source:^(a) Charles River Laboratory No. of Animals Per Group: 3Total No. of Animals: 9 Age and Sex: Female Weight: 2.5-3.5 kg

TABLE 12 Aluminium rfHBP ISCOMATRIX Phosphate (μg/0.5 ml (μg/0.5 ml(μg/0.5 ml Group # of animals Variant lipidated dose) dose) dose) 1 3B44 − 100 50 2 3 B01 − 100 50 3 3 B01 + 100 — 100Immunization schedule Weeks 0, 4, 9; Bleed schedule Weeks 0, 4, 9,10

Serum Bactericidal Assay (SBA): A microcolony-based serum bactericidalassay (SBA) against multiple serogroup B meningococcal strains (Table13) was performed on individual serum samples. Human sera from donorswere qualified as the complement source for the strain tested in theassay. Complement-mediated antibody-dependent bactericidal titers wereinterpolated and expressed as the reciprocal of the dilution of the testserum that killed 50% of the meningococcal cells in the assay. The limitof detection of the assay was an SBA titer of 4. An SBA titer of <4 wasassigned number of 2. A≧4-fold rise of SBA titers in the week 10 sera incomparison to the titers in the pre-bleed was calculated and compared.

Serum bactericidal antibody activity as measured in the SBA is theimmunologic surrogate of protection against meningococcal disease. Theability of immunization with non-lipidated rfHBP to elicit bactericidalantibodies in rabbits was determined by SBA. SBA measures the level ofantibodies in a serum sample by mimicking the complement-mediatedbacterial lysis that occurs naturally. Rabbit serum samples collectedfrom week 10 were analyzed by SBA against strains with a B44 fHBP or aB02 fHBP. As shown in Table 13 , one week after the third immunization(week 10), all serum samples displayed bactericidal activity againstboth test strains. (Table 13). The non-lipidated B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) wasmore immunogenic than non-lipidated B01 in New Zealand Rabbits againstthese strains. The non lipidated B44 (SEQ ID NO: 44) formulated with theiscomatrix adjuvant gave comparable titers to the lipidated B01formulated with aluminium phosphate against these strains. Rabbitpre-bleed sera showed generally no pre-existing bactericidal activityagainst the tested strains.

TABLE 13 Serum Bactericidal Activity against fHBP Subfamily B Strains inNew Zealand White Rabbits Vaccinated with Recombinant Non-lipidated fHBPGMT SBA Titer against test variant Subfamily B variant B44 (SEQ B02 (SEQ(formulation) ID NO: 21) ID NO: 16) Non lipidated B44 (SEQ ID 6675 7140NO: 44)(ISCOMATRIX) Non lipidated B01 625 1052 (ISCOMATRIX) LipidatedB01 (AlPO₄) 10099 10558

Example 13 Immunogenicity of Six Non-Lipidated Factor H Binding Proteinsin New Zealand White Rabbits

Groups of 5 rabbits were immunized with non-lipidated fHBP variants asdescribed in Table 14. Vaccines were administered at 0, 4 and 9 weeks.Rabbit serum samples collected from weeks 0 and 10 were analyzed by SBAagainst the strains with homologous and heterologous fHBP sequences.Table 14 shows the percent responders post the third immunization. Oneweek after the third immunization (week 10), all serum samples displayedbactericidal activity against the homologous strains as well as othertest strains from the same fHBP subfamily. Rabbits pre-bleed sera showedgenerally no pre-existing bactericidal activity against the testedstrains.

TABLE 14 Post Dose Three Percent of Responders in New Zealand WhiteRabbits Vaccinated with Recombinant Non-lipidated fHBPs MnB fHBPDose/0.5 mL AlPO₄/0.5 mL n B09 B16 B24 B44 A05 A12 A22 A05 100 mcg 0.25mg 5 100 80 100 A12 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 100 100 100 A22 100 mcg 0.25 mg 580 80 80 B09 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 100 80 60 80 B22 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 40 10060 100 B44 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 0 60 40 100 A05, 100 mcg 0.25 mg 5 100 10060 100 100 100 100 A12, each/400 mcg B22, total B44 MnB fHBP ProteinsUsed A05 SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQID NO: 55 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 54 A12 SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein the Cys atposition 1 is deleted A22 SEQ ID NO: 15, wherein the Cys at position 1is deleted B09 SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted,or SEQ ID NO: 49 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 48. B22 SEQ ID NO: 19, whereinthe Cys at position 1 is deleted B44 SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the Cys atposition 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 44 encoded by SEQ ID NO: 51 Testvariants in Table 14: B09 B16 (SEQ B24 B44 A05 A12 A22 (SEQ ID ID NO:60) (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO: 18) NO: 20) NO: 21) NO:13) NO: 14) NO: 15)

Example 14:

>non-lipidated A05  (SEQ ID NO: 55)SSGSGSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSISQNGTLTLSAQGAEKTFKVGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLASGEFQIYKQDHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPSGKAEYHGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREK VHEIGIAGKQ >pEB042 (SEQ ID NO: 65) ATGAGCTCTGGAAGCGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGAGTTGCAGCAGACATTGGAACAGGATTAGCAGATGCACTGACGGCACCGTTGGATCATAAAGACAAAGGCTTGAAATCGCTTACCTTAGAAGATTCTATTTCACAAAATGGCACCCTTACCTTGTCCGCGCAAGGCGCTGAAAAAACTTTTAAAGTCGGTGACAAAGATAATAGCTTAAATACAGGTAAACTCAAAAATGATAAAATCTCGCGTTTTGATTTCGTGCAAAAAATCGAAGTAGATGGCCAAACCATTACATTAGCAAGCGGTGAATTCCAAATATATAAACAAGACCATTCAGCAGTCGTTGCATTGCAAATTGAAAAAATCAACAACCCCGACAAAATCGACAGCCTGATAAACCAACGTTCCTTCCTTGTCAGCGGTTTGGGCGGTGAACATACAGCCTTCAACCAATTACCAAGCGGCAAAGCGGAGTATCACGGTAAAGCATTTAGCTCAGATGATGCAGGCGGTAAATTAACTTATACAATTGACTTTGCAGCAAAACAAGGACATGGCAAAATTGAACATTTAAAAACACCCGAACAGAACGTAGAGCTCGCATCCGCAGAACTCAAAGCAGATGAAAAATCACACGCAGTCATTTTGGGTGACACGCGCTACGGCAGCGAAGAAAAAGGTACTTACCACTTAGCTCTTTTTGGCGACCGAGCTCAAGAAATCGCAGGTAGCGCAACCGTAAAGATAAGGGAAAAGGTTCACGAAATTGGGATCGCGGGCAAACAATAA >non-lipidated A12  (SEQ ID NO: 66)SSGGGGSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKSLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQTITLASGEFQIYKQNHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPDGKAEYHGKAFSSDDPNGRLHYSIDFTKKQGYGRIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVH EIGIAGKQ >pEB043(SEQ ID NO: 67) ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGAAGCGGGGGCGGTGGAGTTGCAGCAGACATTGGAGCAGGATTAGCAGATGCACTGACGGCACCGTTGGATCATAAAGACAAAAGTTTGCAGTCGCTTACCTTAGATCAGTCTGTCAGGAAAAATGAGAAACTTAAGTTGGCGGCGCAAGGCGCTGAAAAAACTTATGGAAACGGTGACAGCTTAAATACAGGTAAACTCAAAAATGATAAAGTCTCGCGTTTTGATTTCATTCGTCAAATCGAAGTAGATGGCCAAACCATTACATTAGCAAGCGGTGAATTCCAAATATATAAACAAAACCATTCAGCAGTCGTTGCATTGCAAATTGAAAAAATCAACAACCCCGACAAAATCGACAGCCTGATAAACCAACGTTCCTTCCTTGTCAGCGGTTTGGGCGGTGAACATACAGCCTTCAACCAATTACCAGACGGCAAAGCGGAGTATCACGGTAAAGCATTTAGCTCAGATGATCCGAACGGTAGGTTACACTATTCCATTGACTTTACCAAAAAACAAGGATACGGCAGAATTGAACATTTAAAAACGCCCGAACAGAACGTAGAGCTCGCATCCGCAGAACTCAAAGCAGATGAAAAATCACACGCAGTCATTTTGGGTGACACGCGCTACGGCGGCGAAGAAAAAGGTACTTACCACTTAGCCCTTTTTGGCGACCGCGCTCAAGAAATCGCAGGTAGCGCAACCGTAAAGATAAGGGAAAAGGTTCACGAAATTGGGATCGCGGGCAAACAATAA >non-lipidated A22  (SEQ ID NO: 68)SSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKSLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQIYKQDHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPSGKAEYHGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGIA GKQ >pEB058 (SEQ ID NO: 69) ATGAGCTCTGGAGGTGGAGGAGTTGCAGCAGACATTGGAGCAGGATTAGCAGATGCACTGACGGCACCGTTGGATCATAAAGACAAAAGTTTGCAGTCGCTTACCTTAGATCAGTCTGTCAGGAAAAATGAGAAACTTAAGTTGGCGGCGCAAGGCGCTGAAAAAACTTATGGAAACGGTGACAGCTTAAATACAGGTAAACTCAAAAATGATAAAGTCTCGCGTTTTGATTTCATTCGTCAAATCGAAGTAGATGGCCAACTTATTACATTAGAAAGCGGTGAATTCCAAATATATAAACAAGACCATTCAGCAGTCGTTGCATTGCAAATTGAAAAAATCAACAACCCCGACAAAATCGACAGCCTGATAAACCAACGTTCCTTCCTTGTCAGCGGTTTGGGCGGTGAACATACAGCCTTCAACCAATTACCAAGCGGCAAAGCGGAGTATCACGGTAAAGCATTTAGCTCAGATGATGCAGGCGGTAAATTAACTTATACAATTGACTTTGCAGCAAAACAAGGACATGGCAAAATTGAACATTTAAAAACACCCGAACAGAACGTAGAGCTCGCATCCGCAGAACTCAAAGCAGATGAAAAATCACACGCAGTCATTTTGGGTGACACGCGCTACGGCGGCGAAGAAAAAGGTACTTACCACTTAGCTCTTTTTGGCGACCGAGCTCAAGAAATCGCAGGTAGCGCAACCGTAAAGATAAGGGAAAAGGTTCACGAAATTGGGATCGCGGGCAAACAATAA >A62. GenBank: ACI46789.1 (SEQ ID NO: 70)CSSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGKLITLESGEFQVYKQSHSALTALQTEQVQDSEDSGKMVAKRQFRIGDIAGEHTSFDKLPKGGSATYRGTAFGSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGIAGKQ >non-lipidated A62  (SEQ ID NO: 71)SSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGKLITLESGEFQVYKQSHSALTALQTEQVQDSEDSGKMVAKRQFRIGDIAGEHTSFDKLPKGGSATYRGTAFGSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGI AGKQ >pLA164 (SEQ ID NO: 72) ATGAGCAGCGGAGGGGGCGGTGTCGCCGCCGACATCGGTGCGGGGCTTGCCGATGCACTAACCGCACCGCTCGACCATAAAGACAAAGGTTTGCAGTCTTTAACGCTGGATCAGTCCGTCAGGAAAAACGAGAAACTGAAGCTGGCGGCACAAGGTGCGGAAAAAACTTATGGAAACGGCGACAGCCTTAATACGGGCAAATTGAAGAACGACAAGGTCAGCCGCTTCGACTTTATCCGTCAAATCGAAGTGGACGGGAAGCTCATTACCTTGGAGAGCGGAGAGTTCCAAGTGTACAAACAAAGCCATTCCGCCTTAACCGCCCTTCAGACCGAGCAAGTACAAGACTCGGAGGATTCCGGGAAGATGGTTGCGAAACGCCAGTTCAGAATCGGCGACATAGCGGGCGAACATACATCTTTTGACAAGCTTCCCAAAGGCGGCAGTGCGACATATCGCGGGACGGCGTTCGGTTCAGACGATGCTGGCGGAAAACTGACCTATACTATAGATTTCGCCGCCAAACAGGGACACGGCAAAATCGAACACTTGAAAACACCCGAGCAAAATGTCGAGCTTGCCTCCGCCGAACTCAAAGCAGATGAAAAATCACACGCCGTCATTTTGGGCGACACGCGCTACGGCGGCGAAGAAAAAGGCACTTACCACCTCGCCCTTTTCGGCGACCGCGCCCAAGAAATCGCCGGCTCGGCAACCGTGAAGATAAGGGAAAAGGTTCACGAAATCGGCATCGCCGGCAAACAGTAA >pDK086  (SEQ ID NO: 73)ATGTCCAGCGGTTCAGGCAGCGGCGGTGGAGGCGTGGCAGCAGATATCGGAACAGGTTTAGCAGATGCTCTGACAGCACCCTTAGATCACAAAGACAAAGGACTTAAATCACTGACATTGGAAGATTCTATCTCGCAAAATGGTACTCTCACTCTTTCAGCCCAAGGCGCAGAAAAAACATTTAAAGTAGGCGATAAAGATAACTCCTTAAATACAGGTAAATTAAAAAATGACAAAATCTCACGGTTTGATTTCGTTCAGAAAATTGAAGTAGATGGACAAACGATTACATTAGCAAGCGGCGAATTCCAAATTTATAAACAAGACCATTCAGCAGTAGTAGCATTACAAATCGAAAAAATTAACAACCCGGACAAAATTGATTCTCTTATTAACCAACGCTCTTTTCTCGTATCAGGACTTGGTGGTGAACATACAGCGTTTAATCAACTGCCGTCAGGAAAAGCAGAATATCATGGTAAAGCATTTTCATCAGACGACGCAGGTGGCAAACTGACCTATACTATTGACTTTGCAGCAAAACAGGGACATGGAAAAATTGAACATTTAAAAACACCCGAACAGAACGTAGAACTGGCCTCAGCAGAATTGAAAGCTGATGAAAAATCCCATGCAGTAATTTTAGGCGATACACGTTACGGTAGCGAAGAAAAAGGTACATATCACTTAGCTCTTTTTGGCGATCGTGCTCAAGAAATTGCTGGTTCCGCAACAGTTAAAATCCGTGAAAAAGTACATGAAATCGGCATTGCAGGTAAACAATAA >A29  (SEQ ID NO: 74)CSSGGGGSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSIPQNGTLTLSAQGAEKTFKAGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLASGEFQIYKQNHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPGDKAEYHGKAFSSDDPNGRLHYTIDFTNKQGYGRIEHLKTPELNVDLASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIGEKVHEIGIAGKQ >non-lipidated B22  (SEQ ID NO: 75)SSGGGGVAADIGAVLADALTAPLDHKDKSLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQVYKQSHSALTALQTEQVQDSEHSGKMVAKRQFRIGDIAGEHTSFDKLPEGGRATYRGTAFGSDDASGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKSPELNVDLAASDIKPDKKRHAVISGSVLYNQAEKGSYSLGIFGGQAQEVAGSAEVETANGIRHIGLAAKQ >non-lipidated A05 (pPW102) (SEQ ID NO: 76)CGSSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSISQNGTLTLSAQGAEKTFKVGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLASGEFQIYKQDHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPSGKAEYHGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGIAGKQ >non-lipidated A05  (SEQ ID NO: 77)GSSGGGGVAADIGTGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLKSLTLEDSISQNGTLTLSAQGAEKTFKVGDKDNSLNTGKLKNDKISRFDFVQKIEVDGQTITLASGEFQIYKQDHSAVVALQIEKINNPDKIDSLINQRSFLVSGLGGEHTAFNQLPSGKAEYHGKAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGSEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHE IGIAGKQ >Consensus (SEQ ID NO: 78) CSSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQIYKQSHSALVALQTEQINNSDKSGSLINQRSFRISGIAGEHTAFNQLPKGGKATYRGTAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIG IAGKQ >Consensus (SEQ ID NO: 79) SSGGGGVAADIGAGLADALTAPLDHKDKGLQSLTLDQSVRKNEKLKLAAQGAEKTYGNGDSLNTGKLKNDKVSRFDFIRQIEVDGQLITLESGEFQIYKQSHSALVALQTEQINNSDKSGSLINQRSFRISGIAGEHTAFNQLPKGGKATYRGTAFSSDDAGGKLTYTIDFAAKQGHGKIEHLKTPEQNVELASAELKADEKSHAVILGDTRYGGEEKGTYHLALFGDRAQEIAGSATVKIREKVHEIGI AGKQ

Example 15 Generation of Non-Lipidated Variants of Subfamily ArP2086-Cloning of Non Lipidated fHBP Genes

The coding sequence of non lipidated A05 fHBP protein (SEQ ID NO: 55)was aligned to an expression-optimized B44 sequence (SEQ ID NO: 43).Wherever the amino acids between the two were identical, the codon fromthe B44 (SEQ ID NO: 43) was used to substitute in the A05 gene. Theoptimized sequence was synthesized de novo at Celtek Genes, addingrestriction endonuclease sites Ndel and BamHl at the N- and C-termini,respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 65) was subcloned intopET30a at those sites.

Recombinant non lipidated A12 fHBP (SEQ ID NO: 66) was expressed frompEB043 (SEQ ID NO: 67). The A12 allele was expression-optimized by BlueHeron Technologies. This gene was optimized by the same process as forA05 (pEB042). In addition, the Blue Heron optimized B44 SGGGGSGGGG(amino acid residues 2 to 11 of SEQ ID NO: 44) amino terminal codonsreplaced the native A12 SSGGGG (amino acid residues 1 to 6 of SEQ ID NO:66) codons. The optimized sequence was synthesized de novo at CeltekGenes, adding restriction endonuclease sites Ndel and BamHI at the N-and C-termini, respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 67) wassubcloned into pET30a at those sites.

Recombinant non lipidated A22 fHBP (SEQ ID NO: 68) was expressed frompEB058 (SEQ ID NO: 69). This gene was optimized by the same process asfor pEB042. In addition, the Blue Heron optimized B44 SGGGG (amino acidresidues 2 to 6 of SEQ ID NO: 44) amino terminal codons replaced thenative A22 SSGGGG (amino acid residues 1 to 6 of SEQ ID NO: 68) codons.The optimized sequence was synthesized de novo at Celtek Genes, addingrestriction endonuclease sites Ndel and BamHl at the N- and C-termini,respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 69) was subcloned intopET30a at those sites.

Recombinant A62 fHBP (SEQ ID NO: 71) was expressed from pLA164 (SEQ IDNO: 72). The A62_002 allele from strain 0167/03 was PCR amplified withprimers containing restriction endonuclease sites Ndel and BamHl at theN- and C-termini, respectively. The resulting gene (SEQ ID NO: 72) wassubcloned into pET30a at those sites.

Example 16 Expression, Fermentation, and Purification of Subfamily ArP2086 Proteins E. coli Expression Strains

BLR(DE3) E. coli B recA-transformed with pLA164 (SEQ ID NO: 72) was usedfor expression of A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71). Plasmid pEB042 (SEQ ID NO: 65)was transformed to E. coil host BD643 (W3110:DE3 ΔrecA ΔfhuA ΔaraA) togive strain BD660 for expression of A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55). Expression ofA22 (SEQ ID NO: 68) was from strain BD592 which consists of plasmidpEB058 (SEQ ID NO: 69) residing in host BD559 (which is also W3110:DE3ΔrecA ΔfhuA ΔaraA). Lastly, plasmid pEB043 (SEQ ID NO: 67) wastransformed to host BD483 (W3110:DE3 ΔrecA) to give strain BD540 forexpression of A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66).

Fermentation

Expression strains were fermented in a glucose-based minimal medium. Anovernight starter culture was inoculated to ten liter fermentorsoperated at 37° C., 1 vvm aeration with cascade dO control at 20%. Whenbatched glucose was exhausted from the medium (at ˜OD₆₀₀=15) a limitinglinear glucose feed at 3.8 g/L/hr was initiated. The feed was continuedup to induction with 0.1 mM IPTG and through the subsequent proteinexpression period. For expression of A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55), strain BD660was induced at OD₆₀₀=25 and fermentation was continued through 7 hourspost-induction (HPI). Expression of A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68) and A12 (SEQ IDNO: 66) from strains BD592 and BD540, respectively, was achieved byinducing at OD₆₀₀=40 and fermenting for 24 HPI. At the end of thefermentation, cell pastes were collected by centrifugation.

A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71)

rP2086 proteins are produced as soluble proteins in the cytoplasm of E.coli strains. The soluble cytoplasmic extract is typically obtained bythawing frozen cells expressing a particular variant of the subfamily Aof rP2086 in hypotonic buffer (10 mM Hepes-NaOH pH 7.4 containingprotease inhibitors) and disrupting the cells in a Microfluidizer under˜20,000 psi. RNase and DNAse are added to digest nucleic acids and thecytoplasmic extract is collected as the supernatant followingcentrifugation at low speed to remove any unbroken cells and then highspeed (≧100,000×g) to remove membranes, cell walls and other largersubcellular components. The cytoplasmic extract is further clarified bysequential adjustments to 25% then 50% saturated ammonium sulfate andremoval of precipitated material after each adjustment by low speedcentrifugation. Low molecular weight ionic cell components are thenremoved by adsorbing the rP2086 in 50% ammonium saturated sulfate in abuffer of 10 mM Hepes-NaOH pH7.4, 1 mM Na₂EDTA to a hydrophobicinteraction column (phenyl sepharose purchased from GE Healthcare) theneluting the rP2086 by linearly decreasing the ammonium sulfateconcentration to 0% with a buffer of 10 mM Hepes-NaOH pH7.4, 1 mMNa₂EDTA. The majority of the negatively charged proteins are thenremoved by adjusting the rP2086 containing fractions to a buffer of 10mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.6, 1 mM Na2EDTA passage of the pooled fractions overan anion exchange column (TMAE purchased from EMD) equilibrated with thesame buffer. The rP2086 is then further purified by chromatography onceramic hydroxyapatite (obtained from BioRad) by exchanging the buffercontaining the rP2086 to 10 mM Hepes-NaOH, pH7.4 containing 1 mM sodiumphosphate adsorbing the protein to the ceramic hydroxyapatite theneluting with a linear gradient of sodium phosphate to 250 mM at pH 7.4.The unit operations listed above are often sufficient to yield purifiedrP2086 subfamily A members. However, since the expression level can varyover 10-fold, when the rP2086 is expressed at the lower end of the rangeor when ultra pure rP2086 is need (at high concentrations for NMRstructural determinations) the following additional unit operations areadded: chromatofocusing followed by ceramic hydroxyapatitechromatography. The buffer containing rP2086 protein from the earlierhydroxyapatite step is exchanged to 25 mM Tris-acetate, pH8.3 and theprotein is adsorbed to a chromatofocusing PBE94 column (obtained from GEHealthcare) equilibrated with the same buffer and then eluted with abuffer of polybuffer 94-acetate, pH 6. The rP2086 proteins will elute attheir ˜pl and the fractions containing the protein are pooled. Thebuffer of the rP2086 containing fractions is then exchanged to 10 mMHepes-NaOH pH7.4 containing 1 mM sodium phosphate and adsorbed andeluted as above. The rP2086 subfamily A members prepared by this processare typically >95% homogeneous by SDS-PAGE analysis and most often >99%homogeneous.

A05, A12 and A22 (SEQ ID NOs: 55, 66, and 68, Respectively)

At the end of fermentation, the cell slurry is recovered by continuouscentrifugation and re-suspended to ˜¼ the original fermentation volumein 20 mM Tris, 5 mM EDTA, pH 6.0. Lysis of the cell suspension isachieved by high-pressure homogenization (2 passes, 4000-9000 psi). Tothe homogenate is added DADMAC to a final concentration of 0.5%. Thesolution is stirred at 15-25° C. for 60 minutes during which time aheavy precipitate forms. The solution is clarified by continuouscentrifugation. The proteins (A05, A12 and A22) are purified using twochromatographic steps followed by a final buffer exchange. The pH of thecentrate is adjusted to 5.5 and loaded onto a GigaCap-S column (CEX).The protein binds to the resin and is subsequently eluted using a sodiumchloride gradient. To the pool from the CEX column is added sodiumcitrate to a final concentration of 1.5 M, and the solution is loadedonto a Phenyl-650 M column (HIC). The protein binds to the resin and issubsequently eluted using a sodium citrate step gradient. The HIC poolcontaining purified protein is exchanged into the final drug substancebuffer by diafiltration. A 5 kD regenerated cellulose acetateultrafiltration cassette is utilized. The protein concentration istargeted to 1.5-2.0 mg/mL. The diafiltered retentate is filtered througha 0.2 micron filter prior to filling into the storage bottles. Drugsubstance is stored at −70° C.

Example 17 Serum Bactericidal Assay

Functional antibody titers were examined by serum bactericidal assay(SBA) against wildtype or engineered Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Bstrains expressing fHBP either with sequences homologous or heterologousto those contained in the vaccine. Serum bactericidal antibodies inrabbits immunized with rP2086 vaccines were determined using SBAs withhuman complement. Rabbit immune sera was heat-inactivated to removeintrinsic complement activity and subsequently serially diluted two-foldin Dulbecco's PBS with Ca2+ and Mg2+ (D-PBS) in a 96-well microtiterplate to test for serum bactericidal activity against N. meningitidisstrains. For combination studies with engineered strains, sera ofinterest was mixed in a 1:1 ratio before the serial dilution describedabove, so the effective concentration of each component was half thatwhen each was tested individually. Bacteria used in the assay were grownin GC media supplemented with Kellogg's supplement (GCK) and monitoredby optical density at 650 nm. Bacteria were harvested for use in theassay at a final OD₆₅₀ of 0.50-0.55, diluted in D-PBS and 1000-3000 CFUwere added to the assay mixture. Human serum with no detectablebactericidal activity was used as the exogenous complement source.Complement sources were tested for suitability against each individualtest strain. For the isogenic strains, a single human serum wasidentified and qualified for SBAs against all isogenic strains. Acomplement source was used only if the number of bacteria surviving incontrols without added immune sera was >75%. After a 30 minuteincubation at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ and an agitation of 700 rpm on ashaker, D-PBS was added to the reaction mixture and aliquots transferredto microfilter plates prefilled with 50% GCK media for the wild typestrains and 100% GCK media for the engineered strains. The microfilterplates were filtered, incubated overnight at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ andmicrocolonies were stained and quantified. The serum bactericidal titerswere defined as the interpolated reciprocal serum dilution that yieldeda 50% reduction in CFU compared to the CFU in control wells withoutimmune sera. Susceptibility to killing by anti-rP2086 immune sera wasestablished if there was a 4-fold or greater rise in SBA titer foranti-rP2086 immune sera compared to the corresponding pre-immune sera.Sera that were negative against the assay strain at the startingdilution were assigned a titer of one half the limit of detection forthe assay.

Example 18 Immunogenicity of Non-Lipidated Variants of rP2086 Sub FamilyA Proteins

White New Zealand female rabbits (2.5-3.5 kg) obtained from CharlesRiver

(Canada) were used in two studies. For the first study, groups of 3rabbits were immunized with either 30 mcg or 3 mcg each of either alipidated A05 or a non-lipidated A05 fHBP formulation. For the secondstudy, five rabbits/group were immunized intramuscularly at the righthind leg with with rP2086A variants at 20 μg/mL adjuvanted with 500μg/mL of AIPO4 (0.5 ml/dose/two sites). Animals were vaccinated at weeks0, 4 and 9, bled at weeks 0 and 6 and exsanguinated at week 10. LP2086specific bactericidal antibody titers were determined at weeks 0, 6 and10.

The goal of these studies was to mimic the reduced responses that areobserved for immunologically naïve populations such as infants. First wecompared a low and high dosage (30 vs 3 mcg per antigen per dose) ofvaccines containing either lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 13) ornon-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) (Tables 15 A and 15B). Low dosageswere used so that differences in the response rate could be discernedbetween each vaccine. SBA analysis was conducted using two strain sets.The first set consisted of wildtype strains that had caused invasivedisease. The second was a genetically engineered strain set that had thesame strain background and differed only by the sequence of the fHBPbeing expressed as follows: the N. menigitidis strain PMB3556, whichexpresses a B24 variant of fHBP, was engineered such that its endogenousfhbp gene was replaced with genes encoding for other fHBP variants. Theconstructs were designed such that only the region encoding the ORF was“switched” and the surrounding genetic background was left intact. SBAanalysis using this strain set therefore allowed for evaluation ofreactivity against different subfamily A fHBP proteins expressed at thesame level and in the same genetic background using one source of humancomplement. All strains had fHBP expression levels that were above thethreshold identified by Jiang et al (2010). As shown in Tables 15A and15B, both the high and low dose levels of the lipidated A05-containingvaccine elicited broad protection across the genetically diversesubfamily A variants, whereas reduced responses were observed at bothdoses for the vaccine containing the non-lipidated A05 variant. Thisside-by-side comparison therefore revealed that, although thenon-lipidated A05 variant is cross protective across subfamily Aexpressing strains, it is not as immunogenic as the lipidated variantwhich is more likely to form a native configuration (Tables 15A and15B).

For the subsequent study, the dose level was raised to 10 mcg pernon-lipidated subfamily A variant to assess each for its potential toprovide broad coverage against subfamily A strains. SBA analysis revealthat at this raised dose level sera from rabbits immunized withnon-lipidated A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55), A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71), A12 (SEQ ID NO:66) and A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68) fHBP variants all induced titers to wildtypestrains expressing both homologous and heterologous subfamily Avariants, indicating that all were cross-protective at this low dosewithin subfamily A. Therefore we observed that the N2Cl vaccine (A05)could generate antibodies that could kill the N1C2 (A22) and N2C2 (A12)variant strains and likewise vaccines from these other groups could killstrains with opposing variants. Under these conditions, it was observedthat the A05 and A62 variants induced the highest SBA responder ratesacross strains (Table 16). Accordingly, this shows a protective effectacross these variants.

TABLE 15A Lipidated A05 formulation Geometric Mean SBA Titers LipidatedA05 formulation 30 mcg dose 3 mcg dose fHBP variant strain name pre PD3≧4x rise pre PD3 ≧4x rise Wildtype A05 PMB1745 2 697 3 2 382 3 strainsA12 PMB258 5 406 3 2 99 3 A22 PMB3570 2 956 3 3 185 3 A62 PMB3037 2 9593 2 50 3 Isogenic A05 RD3040-A05 102 3424 3 38 583 3 strains A12RD3044-A12 15 1233 3 8 183 3 A22 RD3042-A22 24 3289 3 6 582 3 A29RD3043-A29 63 4086 3 19 1359 3

TABLE 15B Non-lipidated A05 formulation Geometric Mean SBA TitersNon-lipidated A05 formulation 30 mcg dose 3 mcg dose fHBP variant strainname pre PD3 ≧4x rise pre PD3 ≧4x rise Wildtype A05 PMB1745 2 1182 3 2281 3 strains A12 PMB258 5 31 2 6 23 1 A22 PMB3570 2 76 3 2 11 2 A62PMB3037 2 35 2 2 2 0 Isogenic A05 RD3040-A05 95 258 0 78 134 1 strainsA12 RD3044-A12 34 228 2 50 105 1 A22 RD3042-A22 24 221 2 23 85 1 A29RD3043-A29 36 326 3 52 267 2Tables 15A and 15B. Geometric Mean SBA Titers against N. meningitidisgroup B strains of sera taken pre and post (PD3=10 weeks) immunizationof rabbits (n=3) with either 30 or 3 mcg vaccines containing lipidatedor non-lipidated A05. The upper panels (labeled “wildtype strains”) ofTables 15A and 15B summarizes activity against clinical isolates. Thelower panels (labeled “isogenic strains”) of Tables 15 A and 15Bsummarizes activity against a set of isogenic strains which wereengineered from the parental N. meningitidis strain (PMB3556) such thatthe entire ORF of its endogenous fHBP was replaced with either A05 (SEQID NO: 13), A22 (SEQ ID NO: 15), A29 (SEQ ID NO: 74) or A12 (SEQ ID NO:14) variants.

TABLE 16 The percentage of responders demonstrating at least 4-fold risein SBA GMT levels over background from 10 week sera taken from rabbitsimmunized with 10 mcg of non-lipidated A subfamily fHBP variants againststrains expressing A05, A62, A12 or A22 fHBP variants. Percent ofResponders with >4 fold rise vaccine A05 A62 A12 A22 average A62 100 10060 60 80 A05 80 80 60 80 75 A12 60 80 60 60 65 A22 60 60 40 40 50

Cross-protection was also observed for all variants using the isogenicstrain set described above at the increased dose of 10 mcg, with serafrom rabbits immunized with the A62 variant (SEQ ID NO: 71)demonstrating the most cross-reactivity, followed by A05 anti-sera(Table 17). In addition, sera from rabbits immunized with the A62variant (SEQ ID NO: 71) showed reactivity to both the parental PMB3556strain and the B09 switched strain (Table 18), indicating thatcross-reactivity activity extends to subfamily B proteins. A62 appearsto be composed of both subfamily A (A22) and subfamily B (B09) domains(FIG. 9).

TABLE 17 Isogenic “switched” strains were engineered from the parentalN. meningitidis strain (PMB3556) such that the entire ORF of itsendogenous fHBP (a B24 variant) was replaced with either A05 (SEQ ID NO:13), A22(SEQ ID NO: 15), A29 (SEQ ID NO: 74) or A12 (SEQ ID NO: 14)variants. KA3011 is a negative control strain (i.e. the parental PMB3556whose fhbp gene has been deleted). The Geometric Mean SBA Titers (n = 5)of sera (taken before or 10 weeks after immunization of rabbits withthree doses of 10 mcg non-lipidated A subfamily fHBP variants) againstthese strains is shown in the upper panel. The percentage of respondersdemonstrating at least a 4-fold rise in response over background isshown in the lower panel. Geometric Mean SBA Titers vs. Isogenic StrainSet RD3040- RD3042- RD3043- RD3044- PMB3556 (B24 A05 A22 A29 A12 parent)KA3011 Vaccine pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 pre PD3 A62 17 3631 69 4 95 23 45 44 109 4 2 A05 7 67 5 64 20 132 16 58 34 40 3 2 A12 1240 8 34 3 40 25 149 27 46 3 2 A22 9 46 13 36 5 30 13 38 28 34 4 2Percent of Responders (≧4-fold rise) Vaccine RD3040-A05 RD3042-A22RD3043-A29 RD3044-A12 PMB3556 KA3011 A62 40 80 100 40 40 0 A05 80 80 6040 0 0 A12 40 40 60 60 20 0 A22 80 40 60 60 20 0

TABLE 18 The Geometric Mean SBA Titers of sera (taken before or 10 weeksafter immunization of rabbits (n = 5) with 10 mcg non-lipidatedsubfamily A proteins (A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71); A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55); A12 (SEQID NO: 66); A22 (SEQ ID NO: 68)) against two subfamily B isogenicstrains. Geometric mean SBA titers against isogenic subfamily B strainsPMB3556 (parent) RD30337-B09 % responders % responders Vaccine pre PD3(>4-fold rise) pre PD3 (>4-fold rise) A62 44 109 60 31 163 60 A05 34 400 32 28 0 A12 27 46 20 19 23 20 A22 28 34 0 29 30 0

Example 19 Evaluation of the Effect of Combining Sera Raised AgainstNon-Lipidated Subfamily A Proteins on SBA

Combinations of serum were assessed to evaluate the effect on the breathof coverage. Paired pre vs post vaccination serum were tested to confirmthat there was no non-specific killing induced as a result of combiningthe serum. The GM fold rise was calculated for the individual sera andfor the combinations of serum across the 4 isogenic strains thatrepresented diversity within subfamily A. Fold rise increases weredetected for some of the combinations tested providing evidence that thebreadth of coverage can be increased by including more subfamily Avariants (Table 19). Optimal combinations appear to be A05 (SEQ ID NO:55) with A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) or A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) with A12 (SEQ ID NO:66) (Table 20).

TABLE 19 SBA Titers of sera from the highest responders of each vaccinegroup were retested against the isogenic strain set as shown in Table17. Sera was tested in one to one mixtures to determine the extent ofsynergistic activity. BC50 titer A05 A12 A62 AQ508-5 AQ509-4 AQ507-5Fold Fold Fold Strain Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 riseRD3040-A05 2 98 49 2 65 33 3 14 5 RD3042-A22 2 116 58 2 94 47 2 81 40RD3043-A29 3 368 123 2 198 99 5 54 11 RD3044-A12 2 37 19 3 486 162 3 4515 GM fold rise 50 70 13 KA3011 2 2 1 2 2 1 9 5 1 BC50 titer A05 + A12A05 + A62 A12 + A62 AQ508-5 + AQ509-4 AQ508-5 + AQ507-5 AQ509-4 +AQ507-5 Fold Fold Fold Strain Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 rise Wk0 Wk10 riseRD3040-A05 7 170 24 8 107 13 2 97 49 RD3042-A22 6 3418 570 6 160 27 2181 91 RD3043-A29 2 509 255 7 1181 169 6 478 80 RD3044-A12 8 335 42 51302 260 7 3707 530 GM fold rise 110 63 117 KA3011 13 2 0 2 5 3 7 5 1

TABLE 20 The fold rise increase for sera tested in combination ascompared to each tested alone (calculated from Table 19). Fold RiseIncrease for Combination Vaccine vs Monovalent Combination A05 A12 A62A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) + 2.2 1.6 A12(SEQ ID NO: 66) A05 (SEQ ID NO: 55) +1.3 4.8 A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) A12 (SEQ ID NO: 66) + 1.7 8.9 A62 (SEQ IDNO: 71)

The results presented above in Examples 18-19 show that non-lipidatedsubfamily A proteins are immunogenic and may provide protection againstinfection with N. meningitidis strains bearing either homologous orheterologous variants. The data presented here illustrates that selectednon-lipidated subfamily A variants retain immunogenicity and providecross-protection against heterologous strains, though these responsesare lower than the lipidated variants. We also demonstrate that the A62(SEQ ID NO: 71) rP2086 antigen, having sequence similarity to subfamilyB (see, for example, FIG. 9), may protect across the subfamilies becausethe A62 (SEQ ID NO: 71) vaccine may kill strains expressing subfamily Bvariants B09 or B24).

The data presented above shows that not only are non-lipidated subfamilyA variants capable of the type of synergy observed with combinations oflipidated fHBP, but also that they may provide coverage against Bsubfamily variants.

Example 20 Evaluation of Immunogenicity of the Combination of Factor HBinding Proteins and tetravalent meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine in NewZealand White Rabbits

The study was carried out in New Zealand White rabbits in the 2.5-3.5 kgrange obtained from Charles River, Canada (Table 21). Prior to enteringthe study, 55 rabbits were pre-screened for existing antibodies usingwhole cell ELISAs against strains A05 and B02. After the screening, therabbits with relatively low antibody titers (specific IgG titers <350)were vaccinated intramuscularly at the hind legs, 0.5 mL per site (1.0mL per dose, see Table 22) at weeks 0, 4, and 9. There were threerabbits per group. Rabbits were bled at weeks 0, 4, 6, 9, andexsanguinated at week 10. Serum samples were prepared and week 0 and 10serum samples were analyzed by SBA. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine(MENVEO®, meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) oligosaccharidediphtheria CRM₁₉₇ conjugate vaccine, Novartis), bivalent rLP2086 andtetravalent non-lipidated variants and their combinations were preparedaccording to Tables23-26.

TABLE 21 Rabbits Used in This Study Species: Rabbit Strain: New Zealandwhite Source:^(a) Charles River Laboratory No. of Animals Per Group:  3Total No. of Animals: 30 Age and Sex: Male Weight: 2.5-3.5 kg^(a)Rabbits were maintained in accordance with the establishedInstitutional Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines.

The design of the study is shown in Table 22.

TABLE 22 Experimental Design # of Vax Serum Group Rabbit ImmunogenAdjuvant (wk) Prep 1 3 1 Human Dosage None 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9MENVEO/dose 1.0 mL/2 Exsang: sites Wk 10 2 3 1:10 Human Dosage None 0,4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 MENVEO/dose 1.0 mL/2 Exsang: sites Wk 10 3 3 1 HumanDosage MENVEO + AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 30 μg rLP2086-A (A05 250 μg/Exsang: (SEQ ID NO: 13)) + 30 μg dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 rLP2086-B (B01 (SEQID NO: 58))/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 4 3 1:10 Human Dosage AlPO₄ 0, Wk 0, 4,6, 9 MENVEO + 3 μg rLP2086-A 250 μg/ 4, 9 Exsang: (A05 (SEQ ID NO:13)) + dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 3 μg rLP2086-B (B01 (SEQ ID NO: 58))/dose 1.0mL/2 sites 5 3 30 μg rLP2086-A (A05 AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 (SEQ IDNO: 13)) + 250 μg/ Exsang: 30 μg rLP2086-B (B01 dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 (SEQID NO: 58)/dose 1.0 mL/ 2 sites 6 3 3 μg rLP2086-A (A05 (SEQ AlPO₄ 0, 4,9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 ID NO: 13)) + 3 μg rLP2086- 250 μg/ Exsang: B (B01 (SEQID NO: dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 58)/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 7 3 Non-LipidatedrP2086-A05 AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 (SEQ ID NO: 55), B09 (SEQ 250 μg/Exsang: ID NO: 49), B22 (SEQ ID dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 NO: 75), and B44 (SEQID NO: 44), 30 μg each/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 8 3 Non-Lipidated rP2086-A05,AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 B09, B22, and B44, 3 μg 250 μg/ Exsang:each/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 9 3 1 Human Dosage MENVEO +AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 Non-Lipidated rP2086- 250 μg/ Exsang: A05,B09, B22, and B44, 30 μg dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 each/dose 1.0 mL/2 sites 10 31:10 Human Dosage of AlPO₄ 0, 4, 9 Wk 0, 4, 6, 9 MENVEO + Non-Lipidated250 μg/ Exsang: rP2086-A05, B09, B22, and dose/1.0 mL Wk 10 B44, 3 μgeach/dose 1.0 mL/ 2 sites

Summary of Formulations

TABLE 23 Formulations for Immunization Amount Presentation/ Provided forMaterial Function Formulation Appearance 3 doses MENVEO ® ActiveNovartis product Lyo A: White, 3 × 15 doses meningococcal containsfluffy cake (Groups A, C, Y Meningococccal Liquid C, Y, W- and W-135)groups A, C, Y and 135: Clear, oligosaccharide W-135 colorlessdiphtheria solution CRM₁₉₇ conjugate vaccine, Novartis rLP2086-A ActiverLP2086 subfamily A White to off 3 × 15 (A05 (SEQ ID and B at 120 μg/mLwhite syringes NO: 13)), per protein in homogeneous (0.57 mL fillrLP2086-B Histidine pH 6.0, cloudy volume) (B01 (SEQ ID appox 0.005%PS80 suspension NO: 58)) with 0.5 mg/mL Al of AlPO₄ L44857-50 Active A05(SEQ ID NO: Lyophilized; 3 × 15 vials MnB tetravalent 55), B44 (SEQ IDwhite fluffy cake (0.7 mL recon non-lipidated NO: 44), B22 (SEQ volume)ID NO: 75), and B09 (SEQ ID NO: 49) at 0.6 mg/mL formulated in 10 mMHistidine buffer, pH 6.5 with 0.01% PS80, 4.5% Trehalose, and WFI AlPO₄Adjuvant AlPO₄, 60 mM NaCl, White to off 30 mL 0.5 mg/mL WFI white in 3homogeneous glass vials cloudy 30 mL 0.25 mg/mL suspension in 3 glassvials 60 mM Saline Diluent NA Clear, colorless 3 × 20 vials solution(1.0 mL fill volume)

TABLE 24 Excipients and Container/Closure Information Formulation Lot #Source Excipients MENVEO ® MenCYW-135 Liquid Novartis The vaccinecontains no Conjugate Component preservative or adjuvant. (091101) Eachdose of vaccine MenA Lyophilized contains 10 μg MenA Conjugate Componentoligosaccharide, 5 μg of (029011) each of MenC, MenY and MenW135oligosaccharides and 32.7 to 64.1 μg CRM₁₉₇ protein. Residualformaldehyde per dose is estimated to be not more than 0.30 μg. (Unknownpreviously). rLP2086-A 962-UPD-09-007 v1.0 CSMD, Pfizer Histidine pH6.0, appox (A05 (SEQ ID Pearl River, 0.005% PS80, 0.5 mg/mL NO: 13)), NYAl of AlPO₄ rLP2086-B (B01 (SEQ ID NO: 58)) MnB non- rPA05 (SEQ ID NO:55) Formulation Histidine buffer, pH 6.5 lipidated (L35408-140),Development, (L44130-129), Polysorbate tetravalent rPB44(SEQ ID NO: 44)Pearl River, 80 (L44130-127), L44857-50 (L37024-36A), rPB22 NY Trehalose(L44863-68), (SEQ ID NO: 75) WFI (B|Braun J0A012) (L37024-61), rPB09(SEQ ID NO: 49)(L43930-80) AlPO₄ 0.5 mg/mL: L44863-86A Pfizer PearlAlPO₄ bulk H000000606- 0.25 mg/mL: L44863-86B River, NY D86864M 0.9%saline (B/Broun J0A017), WFI (B/Broun J0A012) 60 mM Saline962-UPD-10-004 CSMD, Pfizer N/A Pearl River, NY Contain/Closure for MnBTetravalent: Vials: 2 mL type-1 glass, West Pharmaceuticals Stoppers: 13mm vial stoppers for lyophilization, gray butyl, coated with Flurotec(WPS V2-F451W 4432/50 Gray B2-TR Westar ® RU Verisure Ready-Pack), WestPharmaceuticals Contain/Closure for 60 mM Saline: Vials: 2 mL type-1glass, Schott (Vendor Part #: 8M002PD-CS) Stoppers: 13 mm Daikyo D777-1,S2-F451, B2-40 Westar RS West, (Vendor Part #: 19560180)Container/Closure for AlPO₄ Solutions: Vials: Sterile Empty Vials, Size30 mL-20 mm, Stoppers included, Allergy Laboratories, Lot # SEV070708A

Table 25. Data Analysis

TABLE 25 Analytical Tests of MnB non-lipidated Tetra-Antigen LotL44857-50 Target B22, B09, B22 B09 A05 B44 A05, B44 ConcentrationConcentration Concentration Concentration Test (μg/mL) (μg/mL) (μg/mL)(μg/mL) (μg/mL) IEX-HPLC 60/60/60/60 59.7 61.9 64.1 63.0 pH 6.5 6.52Appearance Clear, Lyo: White, fluffy cake. colorless Reconstitution(w/60 mM NaCl): Clear, colorless solution solution Moisture <3% 0.60%Lyophilized formulation was reconstitituted with Mobile Phase A duringquantitation of B22, B09, A05, and B44 by IEX-HPLC, and with 60 mM NaCldiluent for pH and appearance. Karl-Fischer (ICH) method was used tomeasure moisture (using methanol to reconstitute lyophilizedformulations).

TABLE 26 pH and Appearance of AlPO₄ Solutions Sample Lot # pH AppearanceAlPO₄ @ 0.5 mg/mL L44863-86A 5.95 Cloudy, white to off white suspensionAlPO₄ @ 0.25 mg/mL L44863-86B 5.91 Cloudy, white to off white suspension

The non-lipidated tetravalent protein (B22, B09, A05 and B44) weremonitored for stability for 6 hours at 2-8° C. upon combination withMENVEO®.

Example 21 Serum Bactericidal Assay (SBA)

A microcolony-based serum bactericidal assay (SBA) against multipleserogroup B, C and Y meningococcal strains (Table 27) was performed onindividual serum samples. Human sera from donors were qualified as thecomplement source for the strain tested in the assay.Complement-mediated antibody-dependent bactericidal titers wereinterpolated and expressed as the reciprocal of the dilution of the testserum that killed 50% of the meningococcal cells in the assay. The limitof detection of the assay was an SBA titer of 4. An SBA titer of <4 wasassigned number of 2. A ≧4-fold rise of SBA titers in the week 10 serain comparison to the titers in the pre-bleed was calculated andcompared.

TABLE 27 SBA Strains Serogroup fHBP Variant Strain name B A05 PMB1745 BB02 PMB17 B B09 PMB1489 B B16 PMB2882 B B44 PMB147 C A68 PMB2432 C B24PMB2240 Y A121 PMB3386 Y B09 PMB3210

Example 22 Immunogenicity of the Combination of Lipidated orNon-Lipidated Factor H Binding Proteins and the Conjugated Vaccine inNew Zealand White Rabbits

Serum bactericidal antibody is the immunologic surrogate of protectionagainst meningococcal disease. Whether immunization with lipidated,non-lipidated rfHBP, tetravalent conjugate vaccines alone or incombination elicited bactericidal antibodies in rabbits was determinedby SBA. SBA measures the level of antibodies in a serum sample bymimicking the complement-mediated bacterial lysis that occurs naturally.In humans a SBA titer of 1:4 is considered the protective; a four foldrise in titer, pre vs post immunization also considered to be animmunologically relevant immune response. Rabbit serum samples collectedfrom weeks 0 and 10 were analyzed by SBA against strains of severalmeningococcal serogroups. As shown in Table 28 (higher dose) and 29(lower dose), one week after the third immunization (week 10), thetetravalent conjugate vaccines only elicited SBA responses against MnCand MnY strains tested. All other serum samples displayed bactericidalactivity against the homologous strains as well as other test strainsfrom the same fHBP subfamily as in the vaccine formulations. It is notedthat immunization with lipidated A05/B01 (SEQ ID NOs: 13 and 58,respectively) alone at 30 mcg dose each elicited the highestbactericidal antibodies against the homologous strains as well asagainst other tested strains from both fHBP subfamilies (Table 28).Similarly, immunization with non-lipidated A05/B09/B22/B44 (SEQ ID NOs:55, 49, 75, and 44, respectively) alone also elicited bactericidalantibodies against strains of several meningococcal serogroups, eventhough the SBA titers were 3 to 15-folder lower than the lipidatedbivalent vaccine (Table 30). A 100% responder rate 4-folder rise in anSBA titer) was achieved against all strains of various sergroups forlipidated fHBP, high dose of non-lipidated fHBP and all thecombinations.

TABLE 28 Fold rise increase in SBA titers against meningococcusserogroup B, C and Y strains using sera from rabbits immunized with ahigher dose combination of fHBPs and conjugate vaccine Fold Rise in PD3SBA Titers MnC MnY MnB strains strains strains VACCINE Dose A05 B02 B09B16 B44 A68 B24 A121 B09 MENVEO 1 hu 1 2 1 1 1 244 53 708 226 doseMENVEO/ 1 hu 349 871 279 806 2048 1592 401 1037 894 lipidated A05/B01dose, proteins: 30 mcg each Lipidated A05/B01 30 mcg 591 624 745 8421955 1926 344 595 905 each Non-lipidated 30 mcg 39 105 192 300 391 61137 52 148 A05/B09/B22/B44 each MENVEO/non- 1 hu 34 98 108 113 178 219125 299 135 lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44 proteins: 30 mcg eachRabbits pre-bleed sera showed no pre-existing bactericidal activityagainst the tested strains. NZW rabbits (n=3) were vaccinated at weeks0, 4 and 8 with 0.5 mL vaccine, im; data Wk10

TABLE 29 Fold rise increase in SBA titers against meningococcusserogroup B, C and Y strains using sera from rabbits immunized with alower dose combination of fHBPs and conjugate vaccine Fold Rise in PD3SBA Titers MnC MnY MnB strains strains strains VACCINE Dose A05 B02 B09B16 B44 A68 B24 A121 B09 MENVEO 1:10 hu 1 1 2 1 1 49 24 81 143 doseMENVEO/lipidated 1:10 hu 191 140 124 336 926 940 172 560 366 A05/B01dose, proteins: 3 mcg each Lipidated A05/B01 3 mcg 142 164 440 246 834476 162 515 294 each Non-lipidated 3 mcg 6 22 29 22 40 34 39 16 25A05/B09/B22/B44 each MENVEO/non- 1:10 hu 10 52 76 60 158 102 100 122lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44 proteins: 3 mcg eachRabbits pre-bleed sera showed no pre-existing bactericidal activityagainst the tested strains. NZW rabbits (n=3) were vaccinated at weeks0, 4 and 8 with 0.5 mL vaccine, im; data Wk10

TABLE 30 SBA responder rates against meningococcus serogroup B, C and Ystrains using sera from rabbits immunized with a combination of fHBPsand conjugate vaccine PD3 Responders (≧4 fold rise) MnC MnY MnB strainsstrains strains VACCINE Dose A05 B02 B09 B16 B44 A68 B24 A121 B09 MENVEO1 hu dose 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100 100 MENVEO 1:10 hu 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 100100 dose MENVEO/lipidated 1 hu 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100A05/B01 dose, proteins: 30 μg each MENVEO/lipidated 1:10 hu 100 100 100100 100 100 100 100 100 A05/B01 dose, proteins: 3 μg each LipidatedA05/B01 30 μg 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 each Lipidated A05/B013 μg each 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Non-lipidated 30 μg 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 A05/B09/B22/B44 each Non-lipidated 3 μgeach 67 67 67 67 100 67 100 67 100 A05/B09/B22/B44 MENVEO/non- 1 hu 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44proteins: 30 μg each MENVEO/non- 1:10 hu 67 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 lipidated dose, A05/B09/B22/B44 proteins: 3 μg eachNZQ rabbits (n=3) were vaccinated at weeks 0, 4 and 8 with 0.5 mLvaccine, im; data Wk10Lipidated fHBP Elicited Higher SBA Titers Than the Non-Lipidated fHBP.

The lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per dose elicited 3-15-folder higherSBA titers to all the meningococcal B, C and Y strains tested. Thenon-lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per dose elicited 4-23-folder higherSBA titers to all the meningococcal B, C and Y strains tested (Tables28-29).

Dose Titration Was Achieved With the fHBPs, the Conjugate Vaccine or theCombinations

With a higher dose of conjugate vaccine, fHBPs or their combinationsincreased the SBA responses than with a lower dose (Tables 28-30). Theone human dose of the conjugate vaccine elicited 2-8-folder high SBAtiters against meningococcal C and Y strains than the one tenth dose ofthe conjugate vaccine. The lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per doseelicited 2-4 folder high SBA titers against all the strains tested thanthe 3 mcg each per dose. The non-lipidated fHBP at 30 mcg each per doseelicited 4-15-folder high SBA titers against all the meningococcalserogroups B, C and Y strains than the 3 mcg each per dose.

Synergistic SBA Responses by Combination of fHBP and Conjugate Vaccines

There is a trend that the SBA responses are higher against meningococcalserogroups C and Y strains when the combination of conjugate vaccine andfHBP was used than by using either component alone, especially with theaddition of a lower dose of lipidated or non-lipidated fHBP (Table 29).In the present study, the functional activity was evaluated againststrains of several meningococcal serogroups using sera from New Zealandwhite rabbits immunized with recombinant lipidated or non-lipidated fHBPin formulation with AIPO₄ and the conjugate vaccine alone or incombination. Rabbits receiving the conjugate vaccine elicited SBAresponses only against meningococcal serogroup C and Y strains, but notto the serogroup B strains. The lipidated or non-lipidated fHBP informulation with AIPO₄ elicited serum antibodies which were bactericidalagainst strains of all the meningococcal serogroups tested.

New Zealand white rabbits receiving three doses of the lipidated ornon-lipidated fHBP in formulation with AIPO₄ elicited serum antibodieswhich were bactericidal against meningococcal serogroups B, C and Ystrains tested. A 100% of responder rate (≧4-folder rise in an SBAtiter) was achieved against all the strains tested except the lower dosenon-lipidated group.

The lipidated fHBP elicited greater bactericidal antibody titers thanthe non-lipidated forms. A clear dose response was observed with thelipidated or non-lipidated fHBP and the conjugate vaccine alone or incombinations.

There is a trend of synergistic SBA responses against meningococcalserogroup C and Y strains between the conjugate vaccine and fHBPespecially at the addition of lower dose proteins.

Example 23 Evaluation of the Immunogenicity of Combinations ofNon-Lipidated Factor H Binding Proteins in New Zealand White Rabbits

Studies were carried out in New Zealand White rabbits in the 2.5-3.5 kgrange obtained from Charles River, Canada (Table 31). Rabbits werevaccinated intramuscularly at the hind leg, 0.5 mL per site (1.0 mL perdose, see Table 32) at weeks 0, 4 and 9. The Sequence ID Numbers foreach of the antigens tested are listed in Table 33. There were 10rabbits per group. Rabbits were bled at weeks 0, 6 and exsanguinated atweek 10. Serum samples were prepared and week 0 and 10 serum sampleswere analyzed in the SBA against a panel of N. meningitidis isolates.

TABLE 31 Rabbits Used in these Studies^(a) Species Rabbit Strain NewZealand White Source Charles River Laboratory Number Animals per group10 Sex Female Weight 2.5-3.5 kg ^(a)Rabbits were maintained inaccordance with established Institutional Animal Care and Use Committeeguidelines

TABLE 32 Study Design^(a) AlPO₄ # of Antigenic composition (0.25 mg/rabbits fHBP Variants Lipidated Dose dose) 10 A62 + B44 No 10 mcg eachYes 10 A05 + A62 + B44 No 10 mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No 10mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No  5 mcg each Yes 10 A05 + A12 +B09 + B44 No  5 mcg each Yes 10 A12 + A62 + B09 + B44 No  5 mcg each Yes10 A05 + A12 + A62 + No  5 mcg each Yes B09 + B44 10 A05 + B01 Yes 10mcg each Yes ^(a)Rabbits were vaccinated intramuscularly (weeks 0, 4 and9) and bled (weeks 0, 6 and 10) to prepare serum samples for SBAanalysis

TABLE 33 N. meningitidis Serogroup B fHBP Protein Variants UsedrP2086-A05 SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, orSEQ ID NO: 55, e.g., encoded by SEQ ID NO: 54 rP2086-A12 SEQ ID NO: 14,wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 66, e.g.,encoded by SEQ ID NO: 67 rP2086-A62 SEQ ID NO: 70, wherein the Cys atposition 1 is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 71, e.g., encoded by SEQ ID NO: 72rP2086-B09 SEQ ID NO: 18, wherein the Cys at position 1 is deleted, orSEQ ID NO: 49 rLP2086-B44 SEQ ID NO: 21, wherein the Cys at position 1is deleted, or SEQ ID NO: 44, e.g., encoded by SEQ ID NO: 43 rLP2086-A05SEQ ID NO: 76 rLP2086-B01 SEQ ID NO: 58

Table 34 summarizes the immune response in rabbits to mixtures ofnon-lipidated fHBP proteins compared to the immune response to therLP2086-A05 and rLP2086-B01 pair of lipidated antigens. Rabbit pre-bleedsera generally showed no pre-existing bactericidal activity against thetested strains. The immune response is presented as the percent ofanimals in each treatment group that respond to the respectivecombinations of fHBP antigens following the third immunization with anincrease in SBA titer of ≧4 fold. The SBA assay was performed usingtarget N. meningitidis strains that either express fHBP variantsidentical to the vaccine immunogen (A05, A12), or strains that expressheterologous fHBP variants (A22, B16, B24). The comparative amino acidsequence identity of the A22 fHBP variant diverges up to 15% from thesubfamily A variants tested. Similarly, the comparative amino acidsequence identity of the B16 and B24 fHBP variants diverges up to 12%from the subfamily B variants included as antigens.

TABLE 34 Percent of New Zealand White Rabbits Vaccinated withRecombinant Non-lipidated fHBPs that Respond With a ≧4 Fold Rise in SBATiters Post-Dose Three Dose per % Responders at PD3 with antigen ≧4Xrise SBA Titers Immunogen^(a) Lipidated (mcg/0.5 mL) A05 A12 A22 B16 B24A62 + B44 No 10 nd 50 100 100 50 A05 + A62 + B44 No 10 nd 40 80 80 60A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No 10 nd 60 100 100 100 A05 + A62 + B09 + B44 No 5nd 40 40 100 70 A05 + A12 + B09 + B44 No 5  60 40 60 60 60 A12 + A62 +B09 + B44 No 5 100 70 100 100 70 A05 + A12 + A62 + B09 + No 5 100 100100 100 60 B44 A05 + B01 Yes 10 nd 80 90 100 90 ^(a)10 animals pertreatment group; all treatments formulated with AlPO₄ adjuvant (250mcg/dose)

In those groups of rabbits immunized with 10mcg of each test rP2086variant, serum samples from animals treated with the combination ofA05+A62+B09+B44 had the highest bactericidal response rate. The SBAresponse was somewhat reduced in animals treated with only 5mcg each ofthe same mixture of four non-lipidated fHBP variants. Other 4-valentgroups of fHBP antigens dosed at 5mcg did as well as the combination ofnon-lipidated A05+A62+B09+B44. Of the 4-valent combinations tested,serum samples from the treatment group that included 5 mcg each ofnon-lipidated fHBP variants A12+A62+B09+B44 had the best SBA responserates for the selected assay strains. The response rate to thepentavalent non-lipidated combination of A05+A12+A62+B09+B44 is somewhatbetter than the response to any of the 4-valent combinations tested.

What is claimed is:
 1. An isolated non-lipidated and non-pyruvylatedpolypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 68, wherein an N-terminal cysteine at position 1is not present, as compared to SEQ ID NO:
 15. 2. The polypeptideaccording to claim 2, wherein the sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 68,wherein an N-terminal cysteine at position 1 is deleted, as compared toSEQ ID NO:
 15. 3. The polypeptide according to claim 2, wherein thesequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 68, wherein an N-terminal cysteine atposition 1 is substituted, as compared to SEQ ID NO:
 15. 4. Thepolypeptide according to claim 3, wherein the polypeptide comprises theamino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 64. 5. The polypeptideaccording to claim 1, wherein the polypeptide is immunogenic.
 6. Thepolypeptide according to claim 1, wherein the polypeptide does notexhibit a mass shift of about +70 Da compared to the correspondingnon-lipidated polypeptide as measured by mass spectrometry.
 7. Theisolated polypeptide according to claim 1, wherein the amino acidsequence consists of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 68. 8. Theisolated polypeptide according to claim 7, wherein the polypeptide isencoded by the nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO:
 69. 9. The isolatedpolypeptide according to claim 1, wherein the amino acid sequenceconsists of the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 64. 10. The isolatedpolypeptide according to claim 9, wherein the polypeptide is encoded bythe nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO:
 63. 11. An immunogenic compositioncomprising the polypeptide as in any of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,and
 10. 12. The composition according to claim 11, further comprising anisolated non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated polypeptide having the aminoacid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71, wherein an N-terminal cysteineat position 1 is deleted as compared to SEQ ID NO:
 70. 13. Thecomposition according to claim 11, further comprising an isolatednon-lipidated and non-pyruvylated polypeptide having the amino acidsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49, wherein an N-terminal cysteine atposition 1 is deleted as compared to SEQ ID NO:
 18. 14. The compositionaccording to claim 11, further comprising an isolated non-lipidated andnon-pyruvylated polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth inSEQ ID NO:
 76. 15. The composition according to claim 11, furthercomprising an isolated non-lipidated and non-pyruvylated polypeptidehaving the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 75. 16. Thecomposition according to claim 11, further comprising an adjuvant.